NRS 429VN: Topic 1 DQ 2 – albert bandura self efficacy theory in nursing essay

NRS 429VN: Topic 1 DQ 2 – albert bandura self efficacy theory in nursing essay

Albert Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, developed in 1977, is widely used not only in education but also in nursing. It helps nurses plan their teaching methods to inspire behavioral changes in patients, ultimately improving their health. Bandura’s theory centers on the belief that an individual’s ability to achieve goals is closely tied to their self-belief. In simpler terms, a patient’s success is determined by their self-confidence.

Bandura’s theory identifies three key factors influencing self-efficacy:

1. Behavior: This includes the actions individuals take.

2. Personal/Cognitive factors: This refers to an individual’s skills, ability to practice, and self-efficacy.

3. Environment: External factors like social norms and the influence of others.

Moreover, self-efficacy expectations involve four elements that can help individuals achieve their goals: mastery experiences, observing others’ experiences, social persuasion, and physiological states. These elements guide individuals in making judgments and decisions to accomplish tasks.

This model assists nurses in teaching behavioral changes in clinical settings by enabling them to assess each patient’s learning perceptions. By following the model, nurses can create personalized teaching care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The self-efficacy theory empowers patients by giving them control over their healthcare decisions, especially when they may feel overwhelmed due to illness or circumstances. The patient’s level of self-efficacy guides the care provided and determines outcomes.

Numerous barriers can hinder the learning process for patients, including cultural, socioeconomic, and sociopolitical factors, as well as sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, immigration status, environmental conditions, poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. Disabilities can also present barriers to learning, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes.

A patient’s readiness to learn or willingness to change their behavior significantly impacts learning outcomes. Patients who are ready to learn actively participate in the process, asking questions, generating ideas, and developing personalized care plans. Patients who actively engage in their healthcare tend to achieve better health outcomes during their recovery journey.

References

Bourne, M.J., Smeltzer, S. C., Kelly, M.M., (2021). Nurse Education in Practice. Clinical teacher self-efficacy: A concept analysis, 52

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103029.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471595321000652)

Whitney, S. (2018). Teaching and Learning Styles. Health Promotion: Health and Wellness Across the Continuum.

https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2018/health-promotion_health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum_1e.php

Response 1:

I agree that the self-efficacy model is an excellent choice when planning patient care. As you mentioned, many times, our patients feel like they lack control over their own care. I believe that involving patients more in their care can lead to more positive outcomes.

Response 2:

I didn’t come across Bandura’s theory until I read your post. Bandura makes a valid point that one can’t succeed in learning until they have confidence in themselves. This principle seems effective in various types of learning because when someone focuses on the negative, it’s difficult to retain information and often creates obstacles to learning. When a patient believes in themselves, it indicates they are ready to learn and take action regarding their healthcare.

I also looked into the Pender theory, which shares similarities with Bandura’s theory. The Pender theory also emphasizes social and environmental factors that influence how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. Research has shown that when people have a positive self-perception and a better understanding of their surroundings, they are more willing to learn, comprehend, and actively participate in their healthcare.