2. Abstract

 

 

 

 

 

3. Introduction

 

 

 

4. Thesis Statement

In this outline it will be shown that self-efficacy occurs through foundation and progression of personality, and biblical integration.   (Help here)

 

5. Foundations of Personality

Nature versus Nurture

Bandura’s view of nature versus nurture is that environment (nurture), personal factors (nature) and also behavior all have equal weight in determining a person’s self-efficacy or ability.  God had a major role in that He has specifically placed within us an intended purpose to complete.

The Unconscious

Bandura defines the “unconscious” as the self-beliefs, patterns of thinking, and emotions that while maybe not entirely conscious, can be identified through introspection and changed.  I do think we can ever fully understand the unconscious.  God did not give us the ability to understand the unconscious.  This only comes with people telling us what they see, prayer, fasting, and reading the Bible.

The View of Self

I think that Bandura’s views on personal identity to be primarily based on how an individual perceives their own beliefs and actions, consciously or unconsciously, and that these patterns are completely changeable. I think that change is possible with a certain amount of personal effort and relying on God to help with deeper issues. 

6.  Progression of Personality

a. Development

Development affects our self-efficacy and how well a person is able to use it. I think that I agree with the fact that current behaviors can influence future and do influence future development negatively or positively. The reason for this is because we take in everything that we see or hear and it is recorded. I think it is possible to have conscious control over future behaviors, because if you know a thing is dangerous or could have possible bad side effects you will stay away from it

b. Motivation

Motivation is important because without it there would be no self-efficacy. It is necessary for a person to not just start a task but also want to complete it no matter what is going on around them. I feel like Bandura didn’t really talk about it much, I personally think the root is the approval of other people more so than the satisfaction of a job that is well done. I think that it could be a combination of external and internal factors that could make a person start or stop a task.  Doing everything with God in mind should mean that a person will do it efficiently and in the best way. Yes, I do because they both exert a certain force on the person. People want things to turn out a certain way so then they will work to that end

 

c. Maturation

This deals with how self-efficacy evolves as a person ages. Because as a person ages they look at things differently. What was the driving factor when they were younger is no longer there. They should become more self-confident with age because they may have had many successes in life.  These can be learned as well as affected consciously through therapy which also helps them to see things differently because it is changing their thoughts and behaviors.

 

7.  Biblical Integration

Christians should have a high degree of self-efficacy. The Bible also tells that we become what we think we are (Proverbs 23:7) and that we have what we say (Proverbs 18:21).  We need to remember that we are created in the image of God (verse).  To remember that before we were born He knew us (Psalm 139:14).  That he made work as a gift and that we are to do it with diligence. This is not because of what they are able to do but what Christ can do through Him.  Being Christians we are to depend solely on the leading of the Holy Spirit and know that we have been given everything we need to complete the job (Philippians 4:13) and that we do not need to be afraid and that we have been given a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). 

We also need to make sure that in the community we are helping others to see their self-worth and recognize their abilities to do what they have been called to do, through classes, and building people up in the community (1Thessalonians 5:11).  Personally, my self-identity comes from God and who He has made me to be.  As a Christian I am reminded that pride goes before a fall in Proverbs 16:18.   It does not come from the job that I do but from the specific purpose that God had placed inside of me (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

Conclusion

 

As Christians we should remember that God has given us everything we have.  We should be careful to not get caught up in what we can do and forget that God gave us these abilities.  We all have different abilities, talents, windows of opportunities and we should work hard, do our best and encourage others to do the same (Colossians 3:23).