Self-Efficacy: A Concept Analysis

Headnote

TOPIC. Concept analysis and self-efficacy.

PURPOSE. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the concept self-efficacy through the use of Rodger's model.

SOURCES. Published research.

CONCLUSION. Self-efficacy beliefs influence how people think, feel, motivate themselves, and act. Self-efficacy is concerned about the perception or judgment of being able to accomplish a specific goal and cannot be sensed globally. In order to gain a sense of self-efficacy, a person can complete a skill successfully, observe someone else doing a task successfully, acquire positive feedback about completing a task, or rely on physiological cues.

Search terms: Concept analysis, motivation, self-confidence, self-efficacy

Introduction

Concepts are defined as "a word or phrase that summarizes ideas, observations and experiences. They are tools that provide mental images that can facilitate communication about and understanding of phenomena" (Fawcett, 2005, p. 4). Concept development is crucial to the overall process of knowledge development in nursing. The naming and explication of concepts influence what people notice and think (Meleis, 2007). Concept analysis is a strategy to further develop previously defined concepts and "advance them to the next level of development" (Meleis, 2007, p. 169). The analysis helps to identify the meaning of the concept and to elucidate the ambiguity surrounding it (Rodgers, 1989). The goal of this process is to provide a comprehensible meaning of the concept for future use in the practice or research field (Meleis). This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the concept self-efficacy through the use of Rodger's model. Selfefficacy is defined, surrogate terms are acknowledged, and attributes are identified. The antecedents and consequences of self-efficacy are recognized and related terms are described. A model case of the concept is discussed and the implication for nursing practice, leadership, education, and research is explored.

Concept Analysis Frameworks

Several strategies surrounding concept analysis are discussed in the literature. The Wilson (1963/ 1969) method identifies 11 steps to utilize in concept analysis. Variations of this method were discussed by Rodgers (1989), Chinn and Kramer (1991), and Walker and Avant (2005). This paper will utilize Rodger's model to analyze the self-efficacy concept. Her method of analysis includes the following steps: define the concept, explain surrogate terms, describe concept attributes, identify the antecedents and consequences of the concept, and discuss a model case...