Abstract
A lot of studies have been carried out to demonstrate how low self-esteem affects an individual’s output in a work setting and also crashes intrapersonal interactions within a social environment. A lot has also been done on self-efficacy. Regardless, there is limited literature on how self-efficacy correlates with self-esteem and how it can predict behavior patterns and improve individual efficacy, increasing self-worth. This study aims to examine the literature on self-efficacy and self-esteem and determine their correlation and how they can be applied to improve individuals’ social health.
Social Cognitive Theory: Examining the Relationship between Self Efficacy and Self Esteem
Self-esteem plays a vital role in an individual’s overall well-being, including psychology, physical health, and intrapersonal relationships (Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014; Baldwin, Bladwin & Ewald, 2007). In a standard setup, what individuals think, believe, and feel about themselves affects their general behavior within a social construct. Therefore, self-esteem results from environment and personality (Bramante, 2015). Two variables exist on the esteem spectrum, namely low and high self-esteem. High self-esteem is described as a positive outlook on one’s self-worth, while low self-esteem can be defined as an unfavorable view of oneself (Bramante, 2015). It affects an individual’s well-being. According to Bojanić et al. (2019), every person possesses this disposition. Self-esteem impacts an individual’s selection of friends, value systems, interpretation of events, and memory.
Self-efficacy is assessing one’s ability to execute and complete a given task. A social domain can be described as an individual’s level of self-confidence in initiating, completing, and maintaining social interactions (Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014). Self-confidence and efficacy are increasingly interchangeable terms. In this study, they are both used to mean a process that is a direct product of experience, reward, accomplishments, and regulation of negative and positive emotions. Self-efficacy can be used as a predictor of human behavior (Bramante, 2015). Erozkan, Dogan, and Adiguzel (2016) lists some fundamental characteristics of self-efficacy. They include the individual’s capacity to understand, anticipate, and manage situations. Individuals with high self-esteem are quick to adopt a ‘can’ do approach to life (Erozkan, Dogan & Adiguzel, 2016). This means they can set goals for themselves and set out to achieve this set of goals. Low self-esteem is associated with anxiety and depression.
Bandura’s Theory
Self-efficacy is a derivative of social cognitive theory. Social cognitive theory by Bandura postulates that the knowledge acquisition process results from individuals observing other individuals’ actions in a social environment (Bramante, 2015). This means that the individual can replicate what they have learned from observing others and modify their behavior to imitate observation. Individuals with low self-esteem in this construct can learn new habits to improve their self-worth. Knowledge and skills one has in a work environment can indicate the value of an employee within a work environment. For instance, a cleaner would feel less valuable compared to a manager within a company setup. When individuals are presented with opportunities to improve their skills, they will, in most cases, feel better about themselves (Bramante, 2015).
Deriving from Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, it is congruent to say that we can easily predict an individual’s behavior pattern, in this case, self-esteem, by the type of environment they are learning from in combination with their current self-efficacy level. Teenagers who like watching television can fall prey to junk food. This replacement of junk food with nutritious food could be due to convenience or adaptation of eating patterns influenced by junk food advertised by the media. Unhealthy food has been directly linked with a change in body weight, shape, and health (Anyikwa, 2018). Bodyweight gain can easily trigger low esteem for teens who are body-conscious. The result is easily predicted based on the anticipated patterns that were followed by the teens.
Self-efficacy is a useful tool for improving self-esteem. A strong sense of self-efficacy promotes human accomplishment, reduces stress levels, and lowers an individual’s likelihood of falling into stress (Sahin, 2017; Tahmassian & Moghadam, 2011). Studies have shown that low self-esteem negatively affects how an individual interacts in a social environment (Bramante, 2015; Sahin, 2017; Tahsmassian & Moghadam, 2011). It may also directly influence an individual’s work output in the work environment (Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014; Bramante, 2015; Sahin, 2017).
Theory of Study
The core of this study is to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and self-esteem and whether it can be used to improve self-esteem levels among individuals suffering from low self-esteem. This study exploits the social cognitive theory to hypothesize that low self-esteem among individuals could directly result from a bad experience and people’s level of skill and knowledge on matters they deem necessary (Bramante, 2015; Tahmassan & Moghadan, 2011). A student may feel inferior among his peers because he is doing poorly in class, a girl may feel ugly and unworthy because her drunk mum called her uglier than her other sisters, and a janitor may feel less worthy compared to a manager because of the level of job they have as a result of their skills. Self-efficacy, as demonstrated, could influence on self-worth an individual place on themselves.
The study seeks to demonstrate that under social cognitive theory, one can improve one’s self-esteem. This theory postulates that one can modify behavior by replicating what they have learned. The study also demonstrates that personality dramatically affects self-efficacy levels. While some individuals can adopt the, I can do it attitude, some build self-defeating thoughts that hinder them from learning and modifying their behavior in a social construct (Erozkan, Dogan & Adiguzel, 2016; Tahmassian & Moghadam, 2011). In other words, people with high self-esteem are quick to learn and adapt to new beneficial behaviors compared to those with low self-esteem.
It is deducible that individuals with low self-esteem may require jump-starts, which will motivate them to adapt and replicate new behaviors. Examples include providing avenues for physical exercise, providing therapy to encourage individuals battling with self-defeating thoughts, and coaching individuals to acquire new skills that would allow them to compete and be promoted in a work environment. Providing individuals with low self-esteem with an environment of what they need will prompt them to change their behavior, which could boost their confidence immensely. In other words, increasing their efficacy levels will improve self-esteem among individuals.
Literature Review
Studies have shown that the resulting behavior of an individual is an interaction between cognition, environment, and personality (Bramante, 2015). In a study by Bramante (2015), it was found that past experiences coupled with internal conflicts within an individual could lead to low self-esteem and affect the relationships of performing artists. The environment is vital for individuals to learn and form their behavior. It directly dictates belief systems that dictate the amount of self-worth an individual signs to himself (Bramante, 2015). According to Tahmassian and Moghadam (2011), experiences have been related to social anxiety and depression in adults. Research equally shows that individuals who have suffered physical and psychological violence express shyness, insecurity, depression, and self-esteem, impacting their self-efficacy (Roudrigez & Loos- Santana, 2015). In a study by Anyikwa (2018), self-esteem could result from an individual feeling unattractive and of less worth, and this is directly informed by the beauty standards paraded in the media and food consumption patterns encouraged by advertisements on television.
Studies have also shown that there exists a positive correlation between self-efficacy and levels of depression. In a study by (Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014), it was found that self-efficacy reduced depression and was a great predictor of depression symptoms among adolescents. Low self-esteem results from the belief of incompetence, shyness, loneliness, and a complete pattern of self-defeating thoughts (Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014). In a separate but similar study, self-efficiency was found to correlate negatively with mental health factors, inclusive of anxiety, depression, and social avoidance (Tahmassian & Moghadam, 2011). In a similar study, self-efficacy was found to correlate with the subjective happiness of individuals positively and hence improve individual self-worth (Erozkan, Dogan & Adiguzel, 2016). Self-efficacy can be used to predict a person’s level of happiness. Individual satisfaction with self could lead to higher job performance, automatically leading to a higher happiness position in life.
The study conducted by Anyikwa (2018) demonstrated that obesity, which results from poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and poverty, is influenced by social cognitive constructs such as self-efficacy and self-regulation. In this study, American Hispanic kids were asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked about: the amount of time they watched television, the type of meals they took, the number of glasses of water consumed, how many times they exercised in a week, how many times they were taught about healthy meals and most importantly if they would be willing to do something about their weight. The study indicated that the day’s activities dictated the number of times kids spent on television. More exercise meant less time on television. It was also noted that gender type matters. For instance, removing a girl from television would take much more effort than a boy. Anyikwa (2018) concluded that social expectations had more impact when predicting human behavior patterns. Anyikwa (2018) concluded that giving children instructions on a healthy lifestyle and family support could quickly stir them away from activities that promote obesity and improve their sense of self-worth.
Griggs (2012) conducted a study to compare social cognitive theory and social comparison and their effect on weight. Social influence was found to affect weight loss. Social influence includes family, cultural standards, and social and environmental factors. The study by Griggs (2012) reaffirmed that self-assessment and self-efficacy affected how people feel about completing a task. This meant that an individual’s ability to complete a weight loss journey would be based on the self-worth an individual puts in themselves.
Sahin (2017) conducted a study to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and self-esteem among teachers. In this study, it was found that emotional intelligence among teachers positively correlated with their self-efficacy level. This showed that improving the well-being of teachers improved the quality of output impacted on students by teachers. Sahin (2017) also found out that sociable had high self-efficacy levels. The study concluded that high self-esteem resulted from individual teachers successfully adapting existing life events, individual ability to welcome positive criticism, and coping with the stress that work brought. In other words, high esteem boosted the general performance of the teacher in a classroom setup, which meant quality output to the student.
Relevance of Self-efficacy
- Self-efficacy is a predictor of human behavior.
Self-efficacy can be effectively used as a predictor of human emotions. From reviewing available literature, a clear pattern has emerged on how factors influence behavior. Such factors include efficacy and the environment. It is easy to use cognitive theory to determine how an individual exhibiting low self-esteem and one with high self-esteem are likely to behave in a work environment.
- Self-efficacy has a significant impact on individual self-esteem.
Yes, self-efficacy positively correlates with high self-esteem and emotional intelligence among people Ahmad, Yasien & Ahmad, 2014; Sahin, 2017). Self-efficacy negatively correlates with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Therefore, this means people with low self-esteem have low efficacy levels.
The reasons illustrated above prove that parental motivation is essential. In cases where parents deal with slow learners, it is up to them to encourage them to read and expound on other interest sectors. Parents should also remind kids about their value and worth as human beings. This move will improve how they look at life and tackle criticism. In cases where self-esteem results from a lack of the right body image, it is essential for individuals concerned to push the right mentality and create a right to learn to be better. In the work area, companies can offer training in which individuals can improve their skills and knowledge to increase their competency and self-worth.
c. Self-efficacy can be used to improve individual self-esteem
The reviewed studies show that efficacy is a trait that one is not born with but develops as one grows up. Studies have shown that the more individuals can complete their tasks, the more satisfied they become and thus improve their self-esteem. This ultimately means that Self-efficacy improves self-esteem tremendously.
This study aimed to examine the existing literature on the potential of self-efficacy to influence self-esteem under social cognitive theory. A subset objective was to determine if self-efficacy can be used to improve individual self-esteem. There exists a significant disparity among individuals with low self-esteem and those who exhibit higher levels of self-esteem. From the literature reviews in this study, experience and environment played a crucial role in beating one down and can be a useful tool for building self-confidence. Self-esteem positively influences the personal achievement of goals since it enhances emotional intelligence, differentiates people’s personality traits, and enhances efforts to safeguard self-worth. Creating an environment that can improve the self-esteem of individuals who battle with these negative emotions in their lives is a guarantee of improvement of individual efficacy. Self-efficacy does improve self-esteem.
References
Ahmad, Z. R., Yasien, S., & Ahmad, R. (2014). Relationship between perceived social self-efficacy and depression in adolescents. Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, 8(3), 65. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4359727/
Anyikwa, A. (2018). Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Obesity Behaviors in Hispanic American Children (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Baldwin, K. M., Baldwin, J. R., & Ewald, T. (2006). The relationship among shame, guilt, and self-efficacy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 60(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2006.60.1.1
Bojanic, Z., Nedeljkovic, J., Sakan, D., Mitic, P. M., Milovanovic, I., & Drid, P. (2019). Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 2280. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280
Bramante, A. (2015). Correlation between Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, Personality, Fear of Success, and Self-Defeating Behaviors of Performing Artists (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Erozkan, A., Dogan, U., & Adiguzel, A. (2016). Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and subjective happiness of teacher candidates at the pedagogical formation certificate program. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(8), 72-82. https://doi.org/10.1114/jets.v4i8.1535
Grigg, E. (2012). Social Cognitive Theory VS. Social Comparison Theory: Examining the Relationship between Social Influence and Weight Loss (Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University).
Rodriguez, S & Loos-Santana (2015). Self-concept, Self Esteem, and Self Efficacy. The role of Self-belief in coping Process of Socially Vulnerable People. Doi: 10.18085/1549-9502-7.1.33
Sahin, H. (2017). Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Teacher Self-Efficacy. Educational Research and Reviews, 12(22), 1107-1111. https://doi.org/ 10.5897/ERR2017.3385
Tahmassian, K., & Moghadam, N. J. (2011). Relationship between self-efficacy and symptoms of anxiety, depression, worry and social avoidance in a normal sample of students. Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, 5(2), 91. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3939966/
