The purpose of this article is to facilitate a clearer understanding of both the concept of self-efficacy and its relevance for health education research and practice. Self-efficacy is first defined and distinguished from other related concepts. Next, studies of the self-efficacy concept as it relates to health practices are examined. (Author/CT)

Social Cognitive Career Theory suggests that self-efficacy and outcome expectations underlie vocational interests, goals, and actions. Counselors can use this theoretical framework to assess women's perceived career barriers and the effects of personal and contextual factors on vocational choices. (SK)

Outlines six components that can be used as evaluation criteria for weight loss programs: (1) weight loss; (2) maintenance of weight loss; (3) self-efficacy; (4) behavior modification; (5) attrition; and (6) exercise. Indicates that the program that satisfies requirements of all six categories has the best chance of success. (JOW)

If the modern conservatorium is to prosper in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape, it will need to provide a learning experience that produces multi-skilled and adaptable graduates who are self-monitoring and self-directing. By implication, teaching practices that have dominated in the past will need to be re-thought, and…

This article focuses on the construct of outcome expectations. It is argued that the construct has received relatively little attention in the vocational literature. The authors define outcome expectations, trace the precursors to the construct, provide a critique of the operationalization of the construct, and propose recommendations for future…

Constructivism is the foundation for viewing the self as an active agent in career development. As a counseling tool, narrative can be used to create life career projections from which to develop career plans. (SK)

Views disability as opportunity for reframing physical and emotional difficulties. Explores strategies for facilitating personal healing and empowerment, including self-forgiveness and positive self-talk. (Authors/CM)

Environmental and contextual influences shape academic and career interests through their impact on self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations. Stereotypes, gender-role expectations, and peer pressure may truncate adolescent career choices, especially those forming gay or lesbian sexual identities. (SK)

Presents a social cognitive framework based on Bandura's theory for understanding three aspects of career development: development of career interests, academic and career choices, and performance and persistence. Focus is on how self-efficacy, expected outcome, and goal interrelate with gender, context, and experiential factors. (SK)

Describes flexibly funded, adolescent parent support program, situated in self-efficacy theory that coordinates an array of services. Optimal development of teen parents and their children is promoted. The effect of expectations on outcomes is discussed from research and theory. Program components and agreements are presented; funding is…

Uses the story of "Snow White" to examine issues regarding self and midlife development, especially for women. Considers issues of beauty, image, power, generativity, intimacy, identity, and integration. Suggests that this story illustrates a major midlife task, that of coming to terms with earlier images of oneself in order to develop a…

Presents a conceptual analysis of self-efficacy and reviews the literature on self-efficacy in the microcomputer environment. Topics addressed include self-efficacy versus other theories; efficacy versus outcome expectations; and sources of efficacy information, including performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and…

Describes personal teaching efficacy. Notes that a positive personal teaching efficacy is fundamental in accomplishing change, and is a powerful influence in altering classroom practice. Discusses four strategies for enhancing efficacy in schools. (SR)

As companies focus on competition and profit margins, workers are confronted with threats to their identities based on real or anticipated job loss. Article focuses on features of job insecurity that affect these workers, those who remain, and the organizations in which they work. Gives recommendations for assisting job-insecure employees using…

This past summer fifteen teachers from the Detroit public schools and the metro Detroit area participated in Wayne State University's first Invitational Summer Institute as part of the Wayne State Writing Project. As the director of a brand new National Writing Project site, the author was apprehensive about what she could expect from herself, the…