Self-efficacy Theory Research Articles

Research on Learning Motivation for Project-Based Learning in Online Art Education: A Qualitative Study in A Higher Vocational College

With the extensive integration of Internet technology and intelligent applications, online education has become the new normal of modern education. As a teaching strategy that emphasises student initiative and deep participation, project-based learning (PBL) has also been increasingly valued and widely used. Based on self-efficacy theory, this study adopts a qualitative research method to explore the motivation of art and design students in higher vocational colleges under the online PBL mode, to examine students' understanding and adaptation to the online PBL mode, and to analyse the advantages, difficulties and challenges of students in the PBL learning process. In addition, how PBL shapes students' perceptions of learning and career aspirations is also the focus of this study. Teachers' supportive role is crucial for optimising teaching strategies and improving the quality of education. This study provides suggestions for strategies to improve students' motivation and future career development in higher vocational art education, as well as a theoretical basis for pedagogical reform and student support services in art programmes.

EFEKTIVITAS MODEL EDUKASI DAN DUKUNGAN MENYUSUI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY DAN PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF: SCOPING REVIEW

WHO and UNICEF data state that the level of exclusive breastfeeding in the world is below the target of 40%. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was identified as one of the strongest modifiable predictors. This scoping review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of breastfeeding education models to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. The design of this article is a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Literature Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Article searches used electronic databases from Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Sage. The keywords in the article search are "Exclusive Breastfeeding", "Breastfeeding Education", and "Self-Efficacy". The inclusion criteria in this literature review were studies that have samples of pregnant women ≥ 30 weeks, normal pregnancies without complications. Criteria for babies to be born at term and have normal weight. The results of the scoping review show that the most effective breastfeeding education and support models are prenatal counselling, integrated breastfeeding education program and breastfeeding education with grandmothers' attention. The main characteristic is education carried out from antenatal to breastfeeding. Education is provided involving family members. Education is carried out in a multicomponent manner through breastfeeding training, home visits and post-natal telephone follow-up. The theoretical framework uses self-efficacy theory. The minimum educational frequency consists of 2-4 sessions with a minimum length of 40 minutes. It is hoped that the results of this review will serve as a guide for designing an effective exclusive breastfeeding education model by applying the five main characteristics to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding.

Effect of a self-care promoting program on engagement in self-care behaviors and health-related outcomes among persons with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to visual impairment and eventual blindness. Promoting self-care behaviors is crucial in controlling DR progression and preventing blindness. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Self-Care Promoting Program (SCPP) on engagement in self-care behaviors, HbA1c levels, visual acuity (VA), severity of DR, and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among individuals with type 2 diabetes and DR. This study employed a single-blind randomized controlled trial design to compare SCPP with conventional diabetic care interventions (standard care). The SCPP was based on the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Theory, Self-efficacy theory, and the Association of Diabetic Care and Education Specialist (ADCES) guidelines incorporating health education, self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management skills training over 12 weeks. Ninety-eight participants were randomly allocated to the experimental or control group (n = 49 per group). While the experimental group received SCPP alongside standard care, the control group received standard care alone. Data collection occurred between May 2022 and March 2023 and included demographic information, the Self-Care of Diabetes Index questionnaire (SCODI), the self-care for diabetes eye care questionnaire (SCFDE), the impact of visual impairment questionnaire (IVI-Thai version), and retinal images for DR severity grading. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, t-tests, and MANOVA. Following 8 and 16 weeks of SCPP, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in engagement with self-care and eye-care behaviors compared to the control group (p <0.001). The highest scores were observed in self-care and eye-care confidence behaviors, followed by maintenance, monitoring, and management. Furthermore, HbA1c levels and VRQoL significantly decreased and were lower than those of the control group at week 16 (p <0.001 and p <0.05, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in VA, and DR severity increased in both groups by week 16. SCPP benefits individuals with DR, enhancing their confidence and ability to perform, monitor, and manage self-care behaviors. These strategies contribute to improved diabetes management, enhanced quality of life, and reduced DR-related blindness. Integrating SCPP into routine DR management is recommended, with nurses playing a pivotal role in overseeing and driving this integration, highlighting the critical role of nurses in managing this widespread global disease. Thai Clinical Trials Registration (TCTR20230302002).

A measure of pedagogical self-efficacy that predicts course evaluations for an international sample of management education faculty

PurposeThis study examined the relationship between pedagogical self-efficacy and student course evaluations among an international sample of management education faculty. We also investigated gender’s moderating role in this relationship and its impact on the development of pedagogical self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 professors at an international business school, identifying three subdomains of pedagogical self-efficacy: course design, classroom management, and feedback provision. We designed a 25-question faculty survey to measure pedagogical self-efficacy, administered it to 84 faculty members, and analyzed the data alongside 20,000 student course evaluations.FindingsAll three pedagogical self-efficacy domains significantly predicted student course evaluations. The self-efficacy of female faculty had a positive relationship with course evaluations across all subdomains. In contrast, the self-efficacy of male faculty had a negative relationship with course evaluations on the course design subdomain. Student evaluations of courses taught by women were 10% lower than those taught by males and male faculty had significantly higher self-efficacy ratings than their female counterparts.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that interventions designed to boost pedagogical self-efficacy can enhance student learning, irrespective of faculty gender. However, given biases in how students perceive female faculty, it is likely that female and male faculty members develop self-efficacy differently.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine how pedagogical self-efficacy affects course evaluations, focusing on gender as a potential moderator. We also added an international higher education perspective to self-efficacy theories.

Persuasive Systems Design Trends in Coronary Heart Disease Management: Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Behavior change support systems (BCSSs) have the potential to help people maintain healthy lifestyles and aid in the self-management of coronary heart disease (CHD). The Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) model is a framework for designing and evaluating systems designed to support lifestyle modifications and health behavior change using information and communication technology. However, evidence for the underlying design principles behind BCSSs for CHD has not been extensively reported in the literature. This scoping review aims to identify existing health BCSSs for CHD, report the characteristics of these systems, and describe the persuasion context and persuasive design principles of these systems based on the PSD framework. Using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, 3 digital databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) were searched between 2010 to 2022. The major inclusion criteria for studies were in accordance with the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) approach. Searches conducted in the databases identified 1195 papers, among which 30 were identified as eligible for the review. The most interesting characteristics of the BCSSs were the predominant use of primary task support principles, followed by dialogue support and credibility support and the sparing use of social support principles. Theories of behavior change such as the Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory were used often to underpin these systems. However, significant trends in the use of persuasive system features on par with behavior change theories could not be established from the reviewed studies. This points to the fact that there is still no theoretical consensus on how best to design interventions to promote behavior change in patients with CHD. Our results highlight key software features for designing BCSSs for the prevention and management of CHD. We encourage designers of behavior change interventions to evaluate the techniques that contributed to the success of the intervention. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions, persuasive design principles, and behavior change theories using research methodologies such as meta-analysis.

Clinical practice enhanced by interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives

Background Experience-based knowing in general practice includes advanced interpretation of subjective, complex and particular phenomena in a social context. Enabling different metapositions for reflexivity may provide the accountability needed for such knowing to be recognized as evidence-based practice. Objective To demonstrate and discuss the potential of substantive theories to enhance interpretation of complex challenges in clinical knowing in general practice. Methods We present a fictional case to demonstrate how interdisciplinary substantive theories, with a relevant and specific match to concrete questions, can situate the clinical interaction at an accountable platform. A female patient with Parkinson’s disease consults her GP complaining that the disease is restraining her life and threatening her future. The GP has some new ideas from Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy and introduces the patient to strategies for further action. Findings The case presents an example of how a relevant substantive theory may offer the GP: 1) a sharper focus for achievement: recognising the issues of fear and identity in chronic, progressive illness, 2) a subsequent position for individualized understanding of adequate strategies: encouraging physical and social activity in a well-known context, and 3) an invitation to consider further possibilities: finding ways to alleviate the burden of fear and progressive decline; engaging in joyful living. Implications General practice knowledge embraces a diversity of sources with different evidence power. The transparency mediated to clinical practice when supported by relevant substantive theories may contribute to recognition of experience-based knowing as evidence-based practice.

Exploring the Influence of Sports on Student-Athletes’ Competitive Mindsets during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sports aim to enhance an individual’s formation through organized physical and mental involvement. As sports participation promotes teamwork and dedication, athletes develop sportsmanship, mindfulness, and mental toughness, which brings out their confidence. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused distress and tested the resilience of people, the effects of the situation on student-athlete mindset and competitiveness remain unresolved. With Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory as its foreshadowing theory, this qualitative study focused on the experiences of 10 high school to collegiate student-athletes from a private university in Manila who were asked about their mindsets during the COVID-19 pandemic. After analyzing the data from the transcribed interviews through thematic analysis and the use of the Tracy Coding Matrix, findings revealed the effects of Bandura’s sources of self-efficacy expectations that influenced the student-athletes’ will to win, particularly performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal. The researchers found that sports affect student-athletes’ competitive mindsets by developing their traits, such as self-confidence, motivation, self-assurance, self-reformation, and wellness. Although sports participation also caused feelings of insecurity and pressure among the participants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes were able to adapt, particularly through being supported by their environment. With this, some of the findings suggest that a social circle's presence may ignite student-athletes' drive for victory but may also demotivate them. Finally, the findings of the study may be used to understand student-athlete behavior and strategies such as positive reinforcement and goal-setting may be used to improve their mentalities.

Self-Efficacy and Job Satisfaction of Primary School Teachers

This study presents an in-depth investigation into the predictors of job satisfaction among primary school teachers in China. The study is grounded in the theoretical framework of self-efficacy and job satisfaction theories, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing job satisfaction in the unique socio-cultural context of China. The research employs a descriptive-comparative correlational research design, utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire survey to collect data from a representative sample of primary school teachers in Wuhan, China. The questionnaire covers demographic information, self-efficacy in student engagement, instructional strategies, classroom management, and job satisfaction levels. Based on these findings, the study concludes that enhancing teacher self-efficacy, providing a supportive work environment, and improving classroom management practices are key to improving job satisfaction among primary school teachers in China.

Teacher and Teaching-related Practices Student Teachers May Have Difficulty Believing They Can Enact/Engage in While in Field Practice: Perspectives from Student Teachers and Teachers in Field-practice Schools

Field practice is pivotal in teacher education, serving both as a bridge connecting the theoretical and practical dimensions of the teaching profession in real-world schools, and as a place for acquiring the complex core skills of the profession in their own right. While prior work has mainly explored general teacher self-efficacy, or broad student-related concerns in field practice, there is surprisingly little knowledge of the specific teacher and teaching-related practices that might challenge student teachers during field practice. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the issue both from the student teacher and the field-practice teacher perspective. Utilizing focus groups and individual interviews with students and field-practice teachers, the study employs content analysis, and an innovative agreement circle to identify which practices students may doubt they can enact/engage in while in field practice. The findings highlight four main areas of concern stemming from both students and field practice teachers: adaptability in teaching; balancing subject knowledge with pedagogical competence; classroom leadership; and teaching independently. The study also uncovers discrepancies between student teachers, who are preoccupied with their teaching performance, and field-practice teachers, who also emphasize the importance of collaborative practices with, for example, parents. The study opens a new field of inquiry and is the first step towards a theory of practice self-efficacy in education. Future research could focus on creating measurement tools to evaluate student teacher efficacy in field practice within the four identified areas, thereby enabling identification of early challenges, assessment of field-practice effectiveness, and the provision of tailored field-practice preparation.

From Doubt to Drive: How Instructional Modality and Self-Efficacy Shape Motivation in Remedial Spatial Visualization Courses

Spatial thinking is the foundation for successful problem-solving and critical thinking. Scholars have confirmed that spatial skills are essential tools for problem solving in fields such as engineering, design, physics, and mathematics. Drawing on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this study investigates the impact of instructional modality, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward a spatial visualization app on student motivation in the context of an engineering remedial spatial visualization course. Our study focused on undergraduate engineering students from two cohorts with different instructional modalities, one in 2019 and the other in 2020. This study employs a quantitative approach, gathering data through questionnaires to measure student motivation, self-efficacy, attitudes toward the app, computer-aided design (CAD) experience, gender, and instructional modality. Our findings indicate that instructional modality significantly influenced student motivation, with online instruction during the pandemic being associated with lower motivation. Furthermore, significant predictors of student motivation were identified as self-efficacy and attitudes towards the app, independent of instructional modality. The findings provide insights into strategies for educators to implement educational technology in their courses while also remaining committed to nurturing student self-efficacy in online and in-person learning.

Just do it: A neuropsychological theory of agency, cognition, mood, and dopamine.

Agency is the sense that one has control over one's own actions and the consequences of those actions. Despite the critical role that agency plays in the human condition, little is known about its neural basis. A novel theory proposes that increases in agency disinhibit the dopamine system and thereby increase the number of tonically active dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area. The theory, called ADDS (Agency Disinhibits the Dopamine System), proposes a specific neural network that mediates these effects. ADDS accurately predicts a variety of relevant neuroscience results, and makes many novel predictions, including that increases in an agency will (a) increase motivation, (b) improve executive function, (c) facilitate procedural learning, but only in the presence of immediate trial-by-trial feedback, (d) have little or no effect on learning-related effects of stimulus repetition or on standard eyeblink conditioning, (e) facilitate the development of automatic behaviors, but have little or no effect on the production of behaviors that are already automatized, (f) amplify the cognitive benefits of positive mood, and (g) reduce pain. The implications of this new theory are considered for several purely psychological theories that assign prominent roles to agency, including self-efficacy theory, hope theory, and goal-focused positive psychotherapy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

CONSUMER COMFORT IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

This research aims to analyze consumer comfort studies in the research areas of business, behavioral sciences, and social sciences using performance and science mapping analysis, which are part of the bibliometric analysis method. This paper uses the Web of Science database to examine the most significant authors, journals, keywords, theories, countries, and their citations. This research uses VOSviewer software, specifically for citation analysis, co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, co-word analysis, co-authorship analysis, keyword clustering, and graphical visualization. Additionally, the research employs the SPAR-4-SLR protocol for conducting a bibliometric analysis. According to findings, the studies of consumer comfort are mostly influenced by Fornell, J. F., Spake, D. F., Parasuraman, A., and Patterson, P. G. Also, Butcher et al., (2001), Riley et al., (2000), Dobrow (2013), and Joffe et al. (2003) are the most cited articles. Facilities journal has the highest number of studies. The United States is the most frequently cited country. The most used keywords are client relationships, interpersonal communication, repurchase intention. Additionally, comfort theory is commonly used followed by the signaling theory, social identity theory, and self-efficacy theory. The research offers guidance for future research, identifying potential areas of study and contributing to the progression and enhancement of research on consumer comfort. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper represents the first bibliometric evaluation of consumer comfort. An investigation of studies on consumer comfort is expected to provide precious guidelines for future researchers, managers, and entrepreneurs.

Understanding mobile augmented reality apps in Pakistan: an extended mobile technology acceptance model

PurposeAugmented reality (AR) adoption has boomed globally in recent years. The prospective of AR to seamlessly integrate digital information into the actual environment has proven to be a challenge for academics and industry, as they endeavor to understand and predict the influence on users' perceptions, adoption intentions and usage. This study investigates the factors affecting consumers’ behavioral intention to adopt AR technology in shopping malls by offering the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM).Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual framework is based on mobile self-efficacy, rewards, social influence and enjoyment of existing MTAM constructs. A self-administered questionnaire, constructed by measuring questions modified from previous research, elicited 311 usable responses from mobile respondents who had recently used AR technology in shopping malls. This analysis was performed using SmartPLS3.0.FindingsGrounded on the findings of the study, it was found that, aside from factors such as mobile usefulness, ease of use and social influence, the remaining independent variables had the most significant impact on adopting AR technologies. Considering the limitations of this study, the paper concludes by discussing the significant implications and insinuating avenues for future research.Originality/valueTo better investigate mobile AR app adoption in Pakistan’s shopping malls, the researchers modified the newly proposed MTAM model by incorporating mobile self-efficacy theory, social influence, rewards and perceived enjoyment. However, the extended model has not been extensively studied in previous research. This study is the first to examine the variables that affect an individual’s intention to accept mobile AR apps by using a novel extended MTAM.

Study on the Influencing Factors of English Learning Anxiety of Public Normal School Students

Using self-efficacy theory, social cognitive theory and learning motivation theory as the theoretical framework, this study will collect data of publicly-funded normal university students through questionnaire survey, and use statistical methods and other practical analysis methods to analyze the data. The results show that English learning anxiety of public funded normal college students is affected by many factors, including self-cognition, learning motivation and learning environment. Among them, self-efficacy and social cognition have significant effects on English learning anxiety. The results of this study are of great significance for improving the English learning anxiety of public funded normal college students. Through in-depth understanding of the influencing factors, educators can take corresponding measures to help students reduce anxiety and improve learning results.

Adapting and Evaluating a Theory-Driven, Non-Pharmacological Intervention to Self-Manage Pain.

The existing literature has limited detail on theory-driven interventions, particularly in pain studies. We adapted Bandura's self-efficacy framework toward a theory-driven, non-pharmacological intervention using auricular point acupressure (APA) and evaluated participants' perceptions of this intervention on their pain self-management. APA is a non-invasive modality based on auricular acupuncture principles. We mapped our study intervention components according to Bandura's key sources of self-efficacy (performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal) to facilitate the self-management of pain. Through a qualitative study design, we conducted virtual interviews at one and three months after a 4-week APA intervention among 23 participants using purposive sampling to describe their experiences in managing their pain based on our theory-driven APA intervention. Using thematic analyses, we found four themes: the enhanced self-management of pain, improved pain outcomes, the feasibility of technology, and the sustainability of APA. Describing how interventions are mapped according to the elements of theoretical frameworks can help to guide intervention development, advance science and knowledge development, and promote the implementation of interventions. As such, using Bandura's self-efficacy theory as a foundation for the APA intervention, APA was found to be feasible and sustainable, improving self-management, pain intensity, and pain-related outcomes. Participants provided recommendations for the further improvement of this theory-driven intervention.

The Impact of Art College Students’ Innovation Learning Ability Under STEAM Education

STEAM education, as an education model to train future comprehensive talents, not only challenges the traditional education, but also puts forward on the new requirements for students’ learning ability. As it empowers people to create and solve issues in their daily lives, the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education has a significant influence on generating creative students. Problem-solving ability, innovation ability, cooperation ability and autonomous learning ability are the popular student’s learning ability to discussed emphatically by educators. Among these abilities, innovation ability is the most topical, and it is more in line with the development of society. Under the theory of Self-efficacy, Learning Engagement, and Creative Performance, this study aims to investigate the impacted elements of the art college students’ innovation learning ability under STEAM education system; and to analyze the art college students’ perspectives of innovation learning ability under STEAM education system at a university in China. It adopts interview method with 6 samples at Shenyang Normal University in Liaoning Province, China. Through the systematic study of STEAM education concept, the findings indicated that creative self-efficacy, learning engagement and creative performance are the related elements with innovation learning ability. The more cognitive, emotional, and behavioral inputs students get and the more demanding efforts they put into creative activities, the greater the influence on students’ creative performance. In addition, the art college students’ perspectives of innovation learning ability under STEAM education system are positive.

Gamifying sustainability with self-efficacy: motivating green behaviours in large industrial firms

PurposeThis paper aims to capture the challenges faced by large industrial firms in implementing employee green behaviour. It uses the gamification-based Octalysis framework for identifying motivational drives and entwins it to self-efficacy theory seeking to motivate and engage the employees through game techniques.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews were conducted through snowball sampling technique with managers in senior positions in power sector holding significant decision-making authority. The interviews were transcribed and were analysed thematically.FindingsThis study offers compelling evidence that industrial firms are grappling to inculcate pro-environmental behaviour largely losing on incentivising motivation. Gamification can provide an enjoyable framework balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drives.Practical implicationsThis study offers a framework applicable to organisations across sectors, addressing challenges in implementing green behaviour by leveraging four phases of game mechanics. It tackles issues related to motivation and demand for incentives by striking a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.Originality/valueThis research stands out by incorporating game mechanics, specifically designed through Octalysis, to boost self-efficacy and encourage green behaviour among employees. Furthermore, it is in harmony with Sustainable Development Goals and circular principles.

An empirical study on the influence of new generation employees’ job satisfaction on contextual performance in the energy industry

New generation employees in the energy industry generally suffer from several problems such as poor psychological endurance, lack of professional literacy, excessive mental stress, and low labor enthusiasm, which will affect the employee's individual contextual performance and stability of the labor market. In the context of energy transition, therefore, it is of practical significance to solve their problems in routine work and identify the factors affecting the contextual performance of next generation employees in the energy industry. In this paper, the theoretical model with job satisfaction as an independent variable, organizational commitment as a mediator, the sense of self-efficacy as a moderator, and contextual performance as a dependent variable is established; and several research hypotheses are proposed on the basis of the two-factor theory, psychological contract theory, and self-efficacy theory. The following conclusions are made through the testing of hypotheses based on questionnaire investigation: Job satisfaction of new generation employees in the new energy industry positively affects the contextual performance; organizational commitment plays a mediating role between job satisfaction and contextual performance; the sense of self-efficacy plays a role of moderating job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and contextual performance. There is a mediated moderation effect and regulated mediation effect in the model. These conclusions are of great significance to the healthy development of new generation employees in the energy industry.

Relationships Between Socio-behavioral Factors and the Symptoms Among Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors: A Structural Equation Modeling.

Despite increased research on breast cancer survivors, little is known about how socio-behavioral factors influence the symptoms among racial/ethnic minority breast cancer survivors, particularly Asian American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). This study examined the relationship between multiple socio-behavioral factors in AABCS, including attitudes, perceived barriers, and social influences, and their symptom experiences, with an emphasis on the mediating effect of self-efficacy. This secondary analysis used data collected from 195 AABCS women recruited through online and offline communities from January 2017 to June 2020. Study variables were measured using validated instruments such as the Questions on Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Barriers, and Social Influences; the Cancer Behavior Inventory; and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form. For structural equation modeling based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, mediation analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 and AMOS 28. The overall fitness of the hypothetical model to the data is acceptable (χ2 = 51.36, P < .001; goodness-of-fit index = 0.95, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.89, comparative fit index = 0.96, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.94, normed fit index = 0.94, and root-mean-square error of approximation index = 0.08). Both attitudes and social influences indirectly influenced symptom distress through self-efficacy (β = -0.054, P = .019, and β = -0.053, P = .017, respectively). Perceived barriers had indirect effects through self-efficacy (β = 0.121, P = .024) and significant direct effects (β = 0.605, P = .003) on symptom distress. Our findings supported that the self-efficacy for coping mediated their symptom experience among AABCS. In addition, there were significant relationships among attitudes, perceived barriers, social influences, and symptom experience. Future theory-driven interventions need to consider self-efficacy and socio-behavioral factors in symptom management among AABCS.

Building Capacity for Sustainability Education: An Analysis of Vocational Teachers’ Knowledge, Readiness, and Self-Efficacy

In contributing towards the discourse on developing teachers’ capabilities for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), this study examines the relationships between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and self-efficacy for teaching sustainability concepts among vocational teachers in Malaysian colleges. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the research assesses the combined effect of teachers’ sustainability knowledge and readiness on their ability to teach sustainability effectively. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of three hundred and seventy-five (375) vocational college teachers and structural equation modeling (SEM), the results indicate no significant link between teachers’ sustainability knowledge and their readiness for ESD. However, a positive relationship between teachers’ readiness and their self-efficacy was found. The study shows that while sustainability knowledge does not directly enhance readiness for ESD, it is a strong predictor of self-efficacy in teaching sustainability. Moreover, readiness has a greater effect on self-efficacy than sustainability knowledge alone, highlighting the importance of conceptual understanding in building teachers’ confidence and competence in sustainability education. Despite focusing specifically on Malaysia and using self-reported data, which to some extent limits the study’s findings, the outcomes offer practical insights for educational policymakers, vocational institutions, and educators. They underscore the need for a comprehensive educational approach beyond just knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the sustainability education discourse and suggests areas for future studies, including exploring contextual differences and adopting longitudinal study designs to better understand the dynamics between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and teaching self-efficacy in vocational education.