Such Knowledge Is Probably Gained

People Who Are Insecure About Themselves Will Avoid Social Comparisons That Are Potentially Threatening To Their Self-esteem

Reasonably Accurate Appraisal Of One's Own Capabilities Is, Therefore, Of Considerable Value In Successful Functioning. Large Misjudgments Of Personal Efficacy In Either Direction Have Consequences. People Who Grossly Overestimate Their Capabilities Undertake Activities That Are Clearly Beyond Their Reach. As A Result, They Get Themselves Into Considerable Difficulties, Undermine Their Credibility, And Suffer Needless Failures. Some Of The Missteps, Of Course, Can Produce Serious, Irreparable Harm

Self-efficacy Is The Belief In One's Capabilities To Organize And Execute The Sources Of Action Required To Manage Prospective Situations.

Social Cognitive Theory Rejects The Dichotomous Conception Of Self As Agent And Self As Object. Acting On The Environment And Acting On Oneself Entail Shifting The Perspective Of The Same Agent Rather Than Reifying Different Selves Regulating Each Other Or Transforming The Self From Agent To Object

A Theory That Denies That Thoughts Can Regulate Actions Does Not Lend Itself Readily To The Explanation Of Complex Human Behavior.