Effects of Self-Awareness and Expectancies on Behavioral Intentions: Integrating Self-Efficacy Theory and Control Theory

Abstract

This research investigated the contributions of variables from self-efficacy theory and control theory to behavioral change In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, three between-subjects variables (low and high levels of self-efficacy expectancy, outcome expectancy, and self-awareness) were manipulated. Subjects were exposed to written communications that differed in descriptions of the effectiveness of a certain coping behavior (outcome expectancy) and the difficulty of learning and performing the coping behavior (self-efficacy expectancy). Self-awareness was manipulated by the absence or presence of a mirror. Analysis of intentions to adopt the coping response gave a predicted triple interaction, indicating that self-awareness may mediate the influence of expectancies on behavioral change. Results were discussed in terms of the need for integrating key concepts from self-efficacy and control theories.

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