Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation Theory

How do you judge your ability to accomplish a goal? The concept of self-efficacy refers to beliefs you possess regarding your own capabilities to complete a task successfully. For example, some artists might rate themselves as having a high self-efficacy for painting, but having a low self-efficacy for writing. In most instances, before initiating actions and engaging in behaviors leading to goal attainment, individuals assess the amount of time and effort they are willing to spend in its pursuit. Because human beings tend to choose the road of least resistance, especially when they anticipate difficulties along the way, self-efficacy theory helps them assess their capabilities to reach personal and professional goals successfully.

By practicing principles posited by self-regulation theory, human beings are able to monitor and adjust their behaviors in order to reach personal and professional goals. The ability to choose behaviors likely to lead to goal attainment and reject behaviors likely to lead to goal failure provides individuals with effective self-management skills.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of how self-efficacy theory (personal goal setting) contributes to self-regulation theory. Then select one theory (self-efficacy or self-regulation) and explain how that theory might be applied to complete your graduate degree. Be specific and provide examples.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Resources:

 

Stadjkovic, A. D., & Luthans, F. (1998). Social cognitive theory and self-efficacy: Going beyond traditional motivational and behavioral approaches. Organizational Dynamics, 26(4), 62-74.

Kuhl, J., Kazén, M., & Koole, S. L. (2006). Putting self-regulation theory into practice: A user’s manual. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 55(3), 408–418.

Answer preview

I recorded poor performance in my academic results during my first year of study for an undergraduate college degree. These were due to a lack of self-confidence, planning, and time management. Self-efficacy has enabled me to achieve excellent academic performance due to improvement in handling challenging educational goals and mechanisms to achieve them, solving problems as simple tasks to be mastered rather than threats, avoiding unethical behavior, time management, and developing an intrinsic interest in achieving goals.

Indeed, the failure to set academic goals was the leading cause of poor academic performance. Self-efficacy helped in realizing my educational goals and creating mechanisms to achieve these goals. Moreover, self-efficacy enhances the ability to handle challenges with

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Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation Theory
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