Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction amongst Undergraduates

Abstract

Self efficacy is the individuals' assessment of their capabilities to organize and execute actions required to achieve successful levels of performance (Bandura, 1986). Self-efficacy makes a significant difference in how people feel, think and act. Generally the researches indicate that a low sense of self efficacy is linked with psychopathologies like depression and anxiety. Some research data also indicates the linkage of feeling of helplessness with low self efficacy. In terms of cognitive functioning high self efficacy is related to a strong sense of competence in reasoning abilities and performance in a variety of settings, including quality of decisionmaking and academic achievement (Shelton, 1990). Self efficacy levels can enhance or impede motivation. According to Bandura's theory, people with high self efficacythat is, those who believe they can perform wellare more likely to view difficult tasks as something to be mastered rather than something to be avoided. High levels of self efficacy have also been linked to high levels of innovation and skill in bringing about positive change in an organization (Pearlmutter, 1998).Students with poor self efficacy have low aspirations which may result in disappointing academic performances becoming part of a self-fulfilling feedback cycle. (Margolis & McCabe, 2006). Indeed high efficacy levels are vigorous predictors of academic achievement, positive social relationships and pro-social behavior (Bandura, Barbranelli, Caprara P desire to change one's life; satisfaction with past; satisfaction with future; and significant other's views of one's life. …