Question

What is self-efficacy and what is the self-efficacy model based on?

Research an article that provides information on self-efficacy and addictions. Using the information provided explain why self-efficacy may be important in effectively treating addictions.

Answer 1

Self-efficacy is defined as people's beliefs about their own capacity to perform according to their expected levels of performance and in terms of exerting influence over events that affect their lives. Self-efficacy determines how people feel, think, motivate themselves and behave. According to Social leaning theorist Albert Bandura, self efficacy is a crucial cognitive factor which influences learning of new and adaptive behaviours. Several factors influence self efficacy in determining important behaviours such as impulse control behaviours, or our vulnerability to substance she disorders and addictions. Research on the role of self efficacy in the treatment of substance use disorders has focused on these factors as the building blocks for self efficacy ( Kadden and Litt, 2011) These include:

Mastery of experiences: the Ability to resolve a crisis leads to a greater sense of self efficacy Andy creates an implicit cognitive expectancy that one can control outcomes due to one’s own behaviour rather than through the help of external sources such as intoxicants for relaxation. Such a technique has been found to be helpful in phases of rehabilitation with alcoholics to help them develop a greater confidence in their own ability.

Vicarious Experiences

A major source of self-efficacy comes from the observation of people around us, especially people whom are considered as role models. The various support groups such as Alcohol anonymous help to increase the member’s self efficacy by providing them strong models and supportive peers who would reinforce their absitence from addictive substances.

Verbal Persuasion

Influential people such as parents, teachers, doctors, therapists or team coaches have been found to strengthen the addicts’ beliefs in their own ability to succeed in overcoming their addiction and this has been shown to be of tremendous efficacy due to the direct verbal communication involved.

Emotional & Physiological States

Osme of the techniques of training of patients in self efficacy involve helping the patients reflect on the way they judge their own self-efficacy. Depression, for example, can dampen confidence in their capabilities. They are gradually trained to recognise the emotional states in which they are most vulnerable to seek substances and counter their urge by positive verbal feedback. Additionally, therapy which is focused on building the experience of more positive emotions has been shown to boost thier confidence in their own skills.

5. Imaginal Experiences

Psychologist James Maddux has suggested a fifth route to self-efficacy through “imaginal experiences”, the art of visualising oneself behaving effeciently in a given situation. Such visualisation in the treatment of substance use disorder have been done to increase their motivation to work towards a substance free future where they can work and interact with others more effectively.

References:

Kadden, R.M. &Litt, M.D(2011). ‘The Role of Self - Efficacy in the Management of Substance Use Disorders’. In Addict Behav. 2011 Dec; 36(12): 1120–1126.

Published online 2011 Jul 29. doi:  10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.07.032