With over 20 years of research by renowned psychologist, Albert Bandura, Self-Efficacy articulates his theory that believing one can achieve what one sets out to do results in a healthier, more effective, and generally more successful life.

A comprehensive perspective on human nature by one of the undisputed masters of the psychological sciences

The final book by psychology's most eminent modern figure, Dr. Albert Bandura, is the definitive concise presentation of his theoretical views. In Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective on Human Nature, Bandura explains how his half-century of research and theory on the determinants of thought and action highlight people's capacity for agency: the ability to exert control over one's actions and the courses of one's development. He further explains how his basic theory and research have been applied, world-wide, for the betterment of the human condition.

Readers will find:

• A thorough introduction to the author's agentic-perspective on human nature
• Dr. Bandura's theoretical analyses of moral behavior and moral disengagement
• Applications of the basic principles of Social Cognitive Theory to personal and social change for human betterment

An essential and groundbreaking resource for educational, health, and personality psychologists, Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective on Human Nature will also prove indispensable to social and industrial/organizational psychologists.

The Classic Edition of this key text highlights seminal work done in the subject of learning by modeling and offers an extensive review of the major theories, edited by one of the most influential psychologists of his generation.

In his introductory essay, Bandura identifies the most important controversial issues in the field of observational learning and reviews a large body of research findings, before carefully chosen articles, written by a team of expert contributors, tackle a range of key debates in the field. Topics explored include the role of reinforcement play in observational learning, the scope of modeling influences, the types of people most susceptible to modeling influences, and the relative effectiveness of models presented in live action, in pictorial presentations, or through verbal description.

Written in a lively and engaging manner, this book will be of interest to all psychology students interested in psychological modeling, as well as educators and professionals working with children.

The Classic Edition of this key text highlights seminal work done in the subject of learning by modeling and offers an extensive review of the major theories, edited by one of the most influential psychologists of his generation.

In his introductory essay, Bandura identifies the most important controversial issues in the field of observational learning and reviews a large body of research findings, before carefully chosen articles, written by a team of expert contributors, tackle a range of key debates in the field. Topics explored include the role of reinforcement play in observational learning, the scope of modeling influences, the types of people most susceptible to modeling influences, and the relative effectiveness of models presented in live action, in pictorial presentations, or through verbal description.

Written in a lively and engaging manner, this book will be of interest to all psychology students interested in psychological modeling, as well as educators and professionals working with children.

Adolescents' beliefs in their personal control affects their psychological well-being and the direction of their lives. Self-Efficacy in Changing Societies analyzes the diverse ways in which beliefs of personal efficacy operate within a network of sociocultural influences to shape life paths. The chapters, written by internationally known experts, cover such concepts as infancy and personal agency, competency through the life span, the role of family, and cross-cultural factors.

An exploration of contemporary advances in social learning theory with special emphasis on the important roles played by cognitive, vicarious, and self-regulatory processes.

The phenomenon of learning has always been of fundamental interest to psychologists. Although much of the research in this area approaches the process of learning as a consequence of direct experience, this volume is principally concerned with learning by example.

A widening interest in modeling and vicarious processes of learning has been apparent in recent years. Psychological Modeling highlights the most important work done in the subject and offers an extensive review of the major theories of learning by modeling. In his introductory essay, the editor identifies the most important controversial issues in the field of observational learning and reviews a large body of research findings.

Among the questions debated in this volume are: How do observers form an internal model of the outside world to guide their actions? What role does reinforcement play in observational learning? What is the relative effectiveness of models presented in live action, in pictorial presentations, or through verbal description? What is the scope of modeling influences? What factors determine whether people will learn what they have observed? What types of people are most susceptible to modeling influences, and what types of models are most influential in modifying the behavior of others?

This volume deals with an important problem area in a lively fashion. Its special organization makes it a stimulating adjunct to all courses in psychology - undergraduate and graduate - in which psychological modeling is discussed. It also provides a readable introduction for educators and other professionals seeking reliable information on the state of knowledge in this area.

Breaking down the study of moral disengagement and how it leads people to rationalize doing cruel things, Moral Disengagement offers enlightening new perspectives on some of the most provocative issues of our time through this lense to show you how everyday evils can be counteracted by mindful moral engagement.

Adolescents' beliefs in their personal control affects their psychological well-being and the direction of their lives. Self-Efficacy in Changing Societies analyzes the diverse ways in which beliefs of personal efficacy operate within a network of sociocultural influences to shape life paths. The chapters, written by internationally known experts, cover such concepts as infancy and personal agency, competency through the life span, the role of family, and cross-cultural factors.

Presents a comprehensive theory of human motivation and action from a social-cognitive perspective. This insightful text addresses the prominent roles played by cognitive, vicarious, self-regulatory, and self-reflective processes in psychosocial functioning; emphasizes reciprocal causation through the interplay of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors; and systematically applies the basic principles of this theory to personal and social change.

When this book first appeared in 1981, it was the first to deal comprehensively with major issues in the psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients. It remains the standard volume in the field, drawing together a broad spectrum of work using psychological approaches to treatment of cancer patients and to understanding the disease's sociological and psychological implications. Distinguished contributors from medicine, psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychology, social work, family and group therapy, and nursing examine key issues, including the role of aggression in the onset and treatment of cancer; sexual functioning of patients; cancer as an emotionally regressive experience, cancer in children, and the countertransference responses of a therapist working with a cancer patient. This volume will be of particular value to helping professionals who deal with cancer patients and their families.

When this book first appeared in 1981, it was the first to deal comprehensively with major issues in the psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients. It remains the standard volume in the field, drawing together a broad spectrum of work using psychological approaches to treatment of cancer patients and to understanding the disease's sociological and psychological implications. Distinguished contributors from medicine, psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychology, social work, family and group therapy, and nursing examine key issues, including the role of aggression in the onset and treatment of cancer; sexual functioning of patients; cancer as an emotionally regressive experience, cancer in children, and the countertransference responses of a therapist working with a cancer patient. This volume will be of particular value to helping professionals who deal with cancer patients and their families.

The phenomenon of learning has always been of fundamental interest to psychologists. Although much of the research in this area approaches the process of learning as a consequence of direct experience, this volume is principally concerned with learning by example.

A widening interest in modeling and vicarious processes of learning has been apparent in recent years. Psychological Modeling highlights the most important work done in the subject and offers an extensive review of the major theories of learning by modeling. In his introductory essay, the editor identifies the most important controversial issues in the field of observational learning and reviews a large body of research findings.

Among the questions debated in this volume are: How do observers form an internal model of the outside world to guide their actions? What role does reinforcement play in observational learning? What is the relative effectiveness of models presented in live action, in pictorial presentations, or through verbal description? What is the scope of modeling influences? What factors determine whether people will learn what they have observed? What types of people are most susceptible to modeling influences, and what types of models are most influential in modifying the behavior of others?

This volume deals with an important problem area in a lively fashion. Its special organization makes it a stimulating adjunct to all courses in psychology - undergraduate and graduate - in which psychological modeling is discussed. It also provides a readable introduction for educators and other professionals seeking reliable information on the state of knowledge in this area.