The construct of “am i able” is a common question that people ask themselves when they face a challenge or a goal. It reflects their belief in their own ability to perform a specific task or behavior. This belief is also known as self-efficacy, which is defined as “the conviction that one can successfully execute the behavior required to produce the outcomes” (according to Verywell Mind).
Self-efficacy is an important psychological factor that influences various aspects of human functioning, such as motivation, learning, performance, and well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act in different situations. People with high self-efficacy tend to have more confidence, optimism, persistence, and resilience. They are more likely to set challenging goals, try new things, overcome obstacles, and cope with stress. People with low self-efficacy tend to have more self-doubt, anxiety, avoidance, and helplessness. They are more likely to give up easily, avoid difficult tasks, and blame external factors for their failures.
How is Self-Efficacy Formed?
Self-efficacy is not a fixed trait that people are born with. It is a dynamic and malleable construct that can be influenced by various sources of information and feedback. According to social cognitive theory (according to Simply Psychology), there are four main sources of self-efficacy:
- Mastery experiences: These are the most powerful source of self-efficacy. They refer to the direct and personal experiences of success or failure in performing a task or behavior. When people succeed in something, they increase their self-efficacy for that domain. When they fail, they decrease their self-efficacy. However, the impact of failure can be moderated by the perceived difficulty, effort, and importance of the task, as well as the attribution of the cause of failure.
- Vicarious experiences: These are the second most influential source of self-efficacy. They refer to the indirect and social experiences of observing others perform a task or behavior. When people see someone similar to them succeed in something, they increase their self-efficacy for that domain. When they see someone similar to them fail, they decrease their self-efficacy. However, the impact of vicarious experiences depends on the perceived similarity, competence, and credibility of the model, as well as the outcome of the observation.
- Verbal persuasion: These are the third most effective source of self-efficacy. They refer to the verbal and nonverbal messages that others communicate to influence one’s beliefs about one’s ability. When people receive positive and encouraging feedback from others, they increase their self-efficacy for that domain. When they receive negative and discouraging feedback from others, they decrease their self-efficacy. However, the impact of verbal persuasion depends on the perceived trustworthiness, expertise, and sincerity of the source, as well as the consistency and specificity of the message.
- Physiological and emotional states: These are the least powerful source of self-efficacy. They refer to the physical and psychological reactions that one experiences when performing a task or behavior. When people feel calm and relaxed, they increase their self-efficacy for that domain. When they feel tense and nervous, they decrease their self-efficacy. However, the impact of physiological and emotional states depends on the interpretation and attribution of these sensations, as well as the coping strategies that one uses.
How Can Self-Efficacy Be Enhanced?
Self-efficacy is not a static or permanent construct that cannot be changed. It is a dynamic and flexible construct that can be enhanced or diminished by various factors and interventions. According to research (according to ResearchGate), some of the strategies that can help improve one’s self-efficacy are:
- Setting specific and realistic goals: Goals are important for guiding one’s actions and evaluating one’s progress. Setting specific and realistic goals can help increase one’s self-efficacy by providing clear standards and expectations for performance, as well as feedback on achievement. Goals should be challenging but attainable, measurable but flexible, and relevant but diverse.
- Seeking mastery experiences: Mastery experiences are the most powerful source of self-efficacy. Seeking mastery experiences can help increase one’s self-efficacy by providing direct evidence of one’s ability and competence. Mastery experiences can be achieved by practicing skills, applying knowledge, solving problems, overcoming challenges, and learning from mistakes.
- Seeking vicarious experiences: Vicarious experiences are the second most influential source of self-efficacy. Seeking vicarious experiences can help increase one’s self-efficacy by providing indirect evidence of one’s potential and possibility. Vicarious experiences can be obtained by observing models, watching videos, reading stories, or joining groups of people who have similar goals or interests.
- Seeking verbal persuasion: Verbal persuasion is the third most effective source of self-efficacy. Seeking verbal persuasion can help increase one’s self-efficacy by providing social support and encouragement. Verbal persuasion can be received from friends, family, teachers, coaches, mentors, or peers who can offer positive and constructive feedback, praise, recognition, or advice.
- Managing physiological and emotional states: Physiological and emotional states are the least powerful source of self-efficacy. Managing physiological and emotional states can help increase one’s self-efficacy by reducing negative and enhancing positive emotions. Physiological and emotional states can be managed by using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, music, humor, or positive affirmations.
Conclusion
The construct of “am i able” is most related to the term self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s ability to perform a specific task or behavior. Self-efficacy is an important psychological factor that influences various aspects of human functioning, such as motivation, learning, performance, and well-being. Self-efficacy is formed by four main sources of information and feedback: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological and emotional states. Self-efficacy can be enhanced by various strategies and interventions, such as setting specific and realistic goals, seeking mastery experiences, seeking vicarious experiences, seeking verbal persuasion, and managing physiological and emotional states.
