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A Behavior-Analytic Critique of Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory

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Abstract

A behavior-analytic critique of self-efficacy theory is presented. Self-efficacy theory asserts that efficacy expectations determine approach behavior and physiological arousal of phobics as well as numerous other clinically important behaviors. Evidence which is purported to support this assertion is reviewed. The evidence consists of correlations between self-efficacy ratings and other behaviors. Such response-response relationships do not unequivocally establish that one response causes another. A behavior-analytic alternative to self-efficacy theory explains these relationships in terms of environmental events. Correlations between self-efficacy rating behavior and other behavior may be due to the contingencies of reinforcement that establish a correspondence between such verbal predictions and the behavior to which they refer. Such a behavior-analytic account does not deny any of the empirical relationships presented in support of self-efficacy theory, but it points to environmental variables that could account for those relationships and that could be manipulated in the interest of developing more effective treatment procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oregon Research Institute, 1899 Willamette Street, Suite 2, Eugene, Oregon, 97401, USA

    Anthony Biglan

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  1. Anthony Biglan
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Additional information

Preparation of this paper was supported in part by grants HD15825 and HD13409 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and CA38273 from the National Cancer Institute.

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Biglan, A. A Behavior-Analytic Critique of Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory. BEHAV ANALYST 10, 1–15 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392402

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