fei75766_ch17_534-568.indd 560  02/24/20 10:49 AM
Part VI    Learning-Cognitive Theories560
believes thatthereason fortheireffectiveness canbetraced toacommon mecha -
nism found ineachofthese approaches, namely, cognitive mediation. When people 
usecognition toincrease self-efficacy—that is,when theybecome convinced thatthey
canperform difficult tasks—then, infact,theybecome abletocopewithpreviously 
intimidating situations.
Related Research
Thesocial cognitive theory ofAlbert Bandura continues toproduce agreat dealof
research inseveral domains ofpsychology, withtheconcept ofself-efficacy alone gen-
erating several hundred studies ayear. Self-efficacy hasbeen applied toawidevariety 
ofdomains, including academic performance, work production, depression, escap -
inghomelessness, coping withterrorism, andhealth-related behaviors. Wefocus on
howself-efficacy canbeapplied inthree important social domains, namely promo -
tionofhealth, bullying, andworld population growth. 
Self-Efficacy and Diabetes
Oneoftheways inwhich Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory hashadthegreat -
estimpact onthedaily livesofmany individuals isinthepromotion ofhealth andthe
prevention ofdisease. Bandura himself haswritten about theusefulness ofhistheory 
forencouraging people toengage inhealthy behaviors thatcanincrease overall well-
being, health, andlongevity (Bandura, 1998b).
William Sacco andcolleagues (2007) studied Bandura’s construct ofself-
efficacy asitrelates toType 2diabetes. Diabetes isachronic disease thatrequires 
verycareful management including aspecial dietandexercise regime. Diabetes 
presents people withavariety ofphysical challenges, butitalsoisassociated with
significant mental health challenges. Indeed, theprevalence ofdepression among 
those withdiabetes isdouble thatofthegeneral population (Anderson, Freedland, 
Clouse, &Lustman, 2001). Oneofthehallmark traits ofdepression isalackof
motivation and,given thestrict dietandexercise plandiabetes patients must adhere 
to,thisisparticularly problematic forthose trying tomanage diabetes. Theless
patients adhere totheir disease management planthegreater their diabetes symp -
toms become, which creates adownward spiral withnegative implications forphysi -
calandmental health.
Sacco andhiscolleagues (2007) recruited asample ofadults whohadbeen 
diagnosed withType 2diabetes. Participants completed self-report measures ofhow
much theyadhered totheirdiet,exercise, glucose testing, andmedication plan, a
measure ofdepression, andameasure ofself-efficacy specifically tailored toassess 
howmuch self-efficacy theyfeltwithregard tomanaging theirdiabetes. Addition -
ally,participants completed ameasure ofthefrequency andseverity oftheirdiabetes 
symptoms, andtheirbody mass index (BMI) wascomputed based ondatafrom their
medical records.
Theresults ofthisstudy clearly demonstrated justhowimportant self-efficacy 
istothemanagement ofchronic disease. Higher levels ofself-efficacy were related 
tolower levels ofdepression, increased adherence todoctors’ orders, lower BMI, 
andfewer anddecreased severity ofdiabetes symptoms. Furthermore, self-efficacy Final PDF to printer