Self-efficacy: A cause of debate

Abstract

In response to a paper (Hawkins, 1992) arguing that self-efficacy is a predictor but not a cause of behavior, Bandura (1995) has raised a series of counter arguments. None of these counter arguments seem sufficient to retreat from the claim that self-efficacy is not a true cause of behavior. The present paper reaffirms the position that self-efficacy is a useful concept when used as a descriptive metaphor. Examples from applied psychology are raised to justify this position. Discourse analysis is introduced as one approach which is able to circumvent the debate about the reality or nonreality of mental entities.