Discussion Post: Self-Efficacy Theory and Personal Responsibility
Overview
Self-efficacy is the belief in your own abilities to overcome any difficulty. In Bandura's words, it is your "self-system."
This disucssion applies self-efficacy theory as a means to understand the motivations and influences behind one's ability to take personal responsibility to do what is necessary to be healthy.
Preparation
Use the resources in this unit to deepen your understanding of how the self-efficacy theory and Bandura's social cognitive theory relate to the behavior and personal responsibility of people in a public health situation.
Instructions
Examine any real-life situation related to a public health issue, choosing an issue that has affected the life someone you know, such as infectious diseases, food safety, air or water quality, unsanitary living conditions, emotional or physical abuse. Note: Ensure the confidentiality of this person by changing names and other potentially revealing information.
a) Provide a brief description of the public health issue and its impact on the person's life.
b) Use self-efficacy theory to describe and explain his or behavior relative to the health issue.
c) Describe how the self-efficacy theory could be used to influence desired changes in his or her behavior.
d) If you found yourself in a similar situation, which elements of the self-efficacy theory would you find beneficial to consider in your own life?
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.