Critique the theory of Self-Efficacy using the internal and external criticism evaluation process as it pertains to nursing and health care. APA 7TH edition in text Citation required references. 1 scholarly Reference within the last 5 years 2017-2022 Less than 15% of plagiarism. Two replies with text citations with one reference each. Same document.

Introduction

The theory of self-efficacy, proposed by Albert Bandura, is a psychological construct that focuses on an individual’s beliefs in their own capabilities to successfully perform specific tasks or achieve desired outcomes (Bandura, 1977). In the context of nursing and healthcare, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in influencing healthcare professionals’ behaviors, attitudes, and job performance. This critique aims to evaluate the theory of self-efficacy using both internal and external criticisms within the nursing and healthcare domain.

Internal Criticisms of the Theory of Self-Efficacy

Internal criticisms involve an examination of the theoretical foundations and internal coherence of the theory. The notion of self-efficacy relies on several key underlying assumptions, which may be subject to criticism.

One internal criticism of the theory of self-efficacy is the lack of consideration for external factors that may influence an individual’s beliefs in their own capabilities. Bandura’s theory focuses primarily on individual beliefs, disregarding the potential impact of situational and contextual factors on self-efficacy (Friedman & Schuitema, 2019). In the nursing and healthcare context, the complex nature of the healthcare environment, including time pressures, limited resources, and high stakes situations, can significantly influence healthcare professionals’ self-efficacy beliefs. Therefore, this limited focus on individual beliefs may not fully capture the dynamic interplay between personal and environmental factors affecting self-efficacy in healthcare professionals.

Another internal criticism relates to the measurement and assessment of self-efficacy. Bandura proposed four sources of self-efficacy information: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological and affective states. While these sources provide a framework for understanding the development of self-efficacy, the measurement of self-efficacy is often subjective and relies heavily on self-report measures (Bandura, 2006). This reliance on self-report measures may introduce bias and may not accurately capture an individual’s true beliefs in their capabilities. Moreover, self-efficacy assessments are typically retrospective and may not account for the dynamic nature of self-efficacy beliefs, which can change over time and in different situations (Luszczynska et al., 2019). Therefore, the methodological limitations in assessing self-efficacy may compromise the validity and generalizability of research findings in nursing and healthcare.

External Criticisms of the Theory of Self-Efficacy

External criticisms focus on the theory’s external validity, applicability, and practical implications. These criticisms examine whether the theory of self-efficacy adequately explains and predicts behaviors and outcomes in real-world settings, such as nursing and healthcare.

One external criticism of the theory of self-efficacy in healthcare is the limited consideration of the interprofessional context. In contemporary healthcare settings, teamwork and collaboration among various healthcare professionals are essential for optimal patient outcomes. However, the theory of self-efficacy primarily focuses on individual beliefs and may overlook the importance of shared beliefs and collective efficacy within interprofessional teams (Jackson et al., 2017). Research suggests that interprofessional collaboration and collective efficacy play significant roles in shaping healthcare professionals’ behaviors, decision-making processes, and overall team performance (Gilmartin et al., 2018). Consequently, the theory of self-efficacy may need to incorporate a broader perspective that encompasses both individual and team-based efficacy beliefs in healthcare settings.

Another external criticism pertains to the generalizability of the theory across different cultural and sociodemographic contexts. Bandura’s theory was primarily developed within Western cultural contexts and may not fully account for the cultural variations in beliefs, values, and social norms that influence self-efficacy (Patel et al., 2021). The diversity of healthcare settings and patient populations requires an understanding of how cultural and sociodemographic factors influence the development and expression of self-efficacy in healthcare professionals. Failure to consider these contextual elements may limit the theory’s applicability and effectiveness in explaining and predicting healthcare professionals’ behaviors and outcomes across diverse healthcare contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theory of self-efficacy has both strengths and weaknesses when applied to nursing and healthcare. The internal criticisms identified limitations regarding the lack of consideration for external factors influencing self-efficacy beliefs and the subjective nature of self-efficacy measurement and assessment. External criticisms highlighted the need for considering interprofessional contexts and cultural variations in the theory’s application. These critiques emphasize the importance of continuously examining and refining the theory of self-efficacy to enhance its explanatory power and practical implications in nursing and healthcare settings. Future research should address these criticisms and further explore the complexity of self-efficacy beliefs in healthcare professionals to improve patient care and outcomes.