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Genetic testing and the relationship between specific and general self‐efficacy

2006; Wiley; Volume: 11; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1348/135910705x52543

2044-8287

Jane Hendy, Evanthia Lyons, Glynis M. Breakwell,

Social and Intergroup Psychology

The study examined the extent to which variations in health‐specific self‐efficacy could affect general self‐efficacy. In a repeated measures design, 300 participants were administered an efficacy questionnaire, before and after an alleged news report, aimed at increasing or decreasing self‐efficacy over genetic‐testing decision making. The results found that self‐efficacy over testing was significantly reduced after reading the negative news report in those participants who felt personal efficacy over testing decisions was important. Levels of general self‐efficacy were also significantly decreased. The findings suggest that being denied control over a specific area of self‐efficacy can have a wider impact, with a lack of perceived efficacy over testing decision making adversely impacting on levels of general well‐being. The wider implications of this generalization effect and the processes involved in efficacy generalization are discussed.