Confidence & Self-efficacy in Sports Performance “The most consistent difference between elite and less successful athletes is that elite athletes possess greater self-confidence” (Gould et al.)

Self Confidence A global term or general term  “Belief that one has the internal resources, particularly abilities, to achieve success”   “Rooted in beliefs and expectations”  (Advances in Sport Psychology, Thelma S. Horn, 2008)

Self-Efficacy Bandura put forward the notion that as people become competent in particular skills and situations they develop a feeling of selfefficacy.  Self-efficacy is self confidence in a specific situation. The expectation that they will be competent and successful in a particular task. Self-efficacy can effect the choice of activity, the amount of effort expended and persistence at the task.

Self efficacy & Self confidence Self efficacy is different from self confidence.  Someone may be generally self confident in sport but when it came to playing golf which they weren’t particularly good at, they may have low self efficacy in that situation.

Bandura Suggested: People with High Self-Efficacy Seek challenges – approach behaviour  Attribute success to internal factors such as ability and effort  The above would elevate confidence and increase expectation of success in next challenge

Bandura Suggested: People with Low Self-Efficacy Adopt avoidance behaviour  Give up easily and become anxious when task is difficult  They attribute failure to internal factors  The above would decrease confidence and reduce expectation of success in next challenge and induce learned helplessness

Task Vealey’s Theory of Sport Confidence Bandura’s Theory of Self-efficacy Create a fact sheet......

Questions. Describe the 4 factors that effect self-efficacy accoring to Bandura's theory of self-efficacy.

Questions. Describe the 4 factors that effect self-efficacy accoring to Bandura's theory of self-efficacy. 1..Performance accomplishments – a) These probably have the strongest influence on self confidence. b) If success has been experienced in the past, then feelings of self confidence are likely to be high. 2. Vicarious experiences – a) This refers to what we have observed before. (Better if performer is of same ability level) b) If we watch others perform and be successful, then we are more likely to experience high self efficacy. 3. Verbal persuasion – a) If we are encouraged to try a particular activity, our confidence in that situation may increase. 4. Emotional arousal a) Our perceptions of how aroused we are can effect our confidence in a particular situation.

Questions You would like a fellow student to attempt a high jump but he has low self-confidence.  Using Bandura’s four factors which influence self-efficacy, state how you would try and raise the athlete’s self-efficacy in this situation.

Questions Try to give him initial success by lowering the bar to start with or using some flexi rope. Demonstrate how it can be done, or if you are much better than him, use someone of a similar ability  Verbally encourage the athlete. Tell him that he should ‘have a go’. Tell him that to be worried is a natural, very positive response because it prepares the body well