Self-efficacy beliefs and resilience: findings of social-cognitive literature

Abstract

This article studies how the relationship between self-efficacy and resilience has been dealt with by literature in different phases of the life cycle and contexts. It takes Bandura´s Social Cognitive Theory as a reference, addressing the concepts of agency, self-efficacy and self-regulation. Self-efficacy beliefs are seen as perceptions about the capacity to organize and execute a specific course of action; they are regarded as a central element in the foundation of motivation and attainment and may affect the manner in which individuals cope with taxing environmental demands without falling into dysfunction (resilience). As an agent, the individual sees environmental threats as opportunities, choosing strategies to deal with them. Using self-regulating mechanisms, the individuals motivate themselves and steer themselves through proactive control, establishing challenging goals and mobilizing efforts to achieve the desired goals. Studies referring to the beliefs of self-efficacy and resilience are highlighted, and some horizons are compared for research.

Agency; Self-efficacy; Self-regulation; Resilience