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In more recent years, Bandura’s research based on social cognitive theory has focused on self-efficacy or “the core belief that one has the power to influence one’s own functioning and life circumstances” (Bandura, Caprara, Barbaranelli, Pastorelli, & Regalia, 2001, p. 125). The concept of self-efficacy is related to the field of positive psychology, described in Chapter 1. The focus is on what people can accomplish rather than what their limitations are. Using social cognitive theory, interventions have been developed to promote self-efficacy in a number of countries. In Mexico, a television drama series was developed that addressed issues of illiteracy, showing people struggling at first, but then successfully reading. At the end of the series, a well-known actor told viewers about a self-study program for literacy development. The next day 25,000 people showed up to enroll in the program (Bandura, 2008).

Self-efficacy: A belief in our ability to influence our own functioning and our life circumstances.