Self-efficacy (SE) involves perceptions of one’s abilities and talents. Psychologist Albert Bandura first used the term within his social cognitive theory of children’s behavior. However, SE persists throughout the entire lifespan, and is relevant to any goal, challenge, or life decision made, with multiple different aspects.

 

We aim to analyze changes in general self-efficacy of American youth since the 1990s. This research is important because self-efficacy is a strong indicator of a state of well-being: lower self-efficacy is linked to lower self-esteem, higher stress and anxiety, and more risk-taking behaviors. In contrast, higher self-efficacy is associated with higher self-esteem, good mental health, and healthier lifestyles. Based on this, it is evident that self-efficacy is crucial for overall health and well-being.

 

We are using cross-temporal meta-analysis (CTMA) to examine changes in American college students’ self-efficacy. We reviewed several self-efficacy scales and selected the most widely-used, validated scale of self-efficacy: the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by Schwarzer & Jerusalem (1995). We downloaded 8,181 citations of the GSES from Google Scholar and uploaded them to Covidence for the eligibility screening. Inclusion criteria are: written in English, measures GSES, includes American undergraduate students, non-clinical/specialized population. Once screening was complete, we began to enter data from the included studies. This phase is still in progress, but, once finished, we will analyze the data using data processing software (SPSS) to determine whether our hypothesis is supported. 

 

Research has found that external locus of control (which is related to low self-efficacy) increased over time in American children and college students between 1960 and 2002. Based on this research, we think the articles and data will show a decrease in self-efficacy since the 1990s. If so, this would have potential implications for health and well-being among American youth.