ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an integrative theoretical framework to explain and to predict psychological changes achieved by different modes of treatment. It states that psychological procedures, whatever their form, alter the level and strength of self-efficacy. A. Bandura makes the claim that self-efficacy through mastery can generalise to other situations such as overcoming a phobia of animals, leading to better coping skills in social situations and reducing fear of other animals. Self-efficacy is a complex cognitive capacity and one which is often formed and consolidated over many years, but one thing that teachers should be aware of is exam or performance anxiety. It is claimed that it is possible to create generalised, long lasting changes in self-efficacy. The anticipation of the task is far worse than actually doing the task. To address this, Bandura suggests modelling as a way of alleviating potentially negative emotional states and teaching coping skills by demonstrating effective ways of dealing with threatening situations.
