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The video entitled “Self Efficacy: Its Role and Sources” is very helpful in understanding the important role of self-efficacy in people’s lives. Because it is delivered using an animated character, it becomes more fun to watch. In addition, it is concise and direct to the point, making sure that the audience clearly understands what the concept of self-efficacy is all about. Personally, this relates to the reason why I gained weight, an issue that affects my current health status. By being heavier than my normal weight, I begin to feel tired more easily and my self-esteem has been negatively impacted. I associate this health issue to my low self-efficacy. Based on Bandura’s concept, there are four sources of self-efficacy (Caglar Yildirim). Two of these personally relates to me and my health status. First is performance attainment. Although I have tried different types of diet before and I also tried to engage in physical activities, my level of performance in these aspects have been low because I find them too time consuming and difficult. I failed many times because busyness always gets in the way, and I find no external aid or direct moral support from the people that surrounds me. Second, I also do not have role models that I can directly relate with. According to Bandura, vicarious experiences of role models can be a person’s source of self-efficacy (Caglar Yildirim). However, I often see weight loss success on television, but they do not seem to be relatable as many of them are celebrities who have all the time and resources to actually focus on losing weight. Although I struggle most of the time, I still believe that I can do it. According to Martin Seligman’s concept of learned helplessness vs. learned optimism, developing and maintaining self-efficacy is possible through support groups and through the formation of realistic expectations. Therefore, I will apply these strategies. I will find people who can help me with my weight loss journey, those who can provide moral support. I will also set realistic weight goals. Now that I understand the importance of self-efficacy, I believe that I can improve on this aspect and this will help me address my weight gain issues.
Works Cited
Caglar Yildirim. “Self Efficacy: Its Role and Sources.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 24 May 2011. Web. 7 April 2016.
