Introduction to Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy has been studied extensively since Albert Bandura first published his theory in 1977. In social situations, individuals have perceptions different of their abilities to interact successfully with others. (Bandura 1977) In other words, their self-efficacy beliefs reflect their level of social trust (Bandura, 1977). Possessing strong self-efficacy beliefs has been related to positive outcomes in academic achievement, career choice, and even reduced levels of depression (Bandura, 1977). Self-efficacy is defined as a person's internal ability to successfully deal with the challenges he or she faces (Bandura 1977). Bandura (1986) states that self-efficacy is not the actual ability to complete tasks but a person's perception of their ability to complete that task. The implications of self-efficacy in the social domain have also been linked to constructs such as social anxiety, shyness, and self-esteem (Smith & Betz, 2000). Bandura's theoretical model of perceived self-efficacy beliefs includes proposed sources of efficacy information in addition to postulated outcome variables, which include approach versus avoidance, persistence, and performance. This study will also look at self-efficacy as a person's perception and not their actual abilities. Self-efficacy is also considered a resource as it aids a person's ability to cope and as their ability to cope increases, so do their levels of self-efficacy (Bandura 1977). The perception of self-efficacy is also the perception of one's control over one's environment and this helps a person to face life's challenges in a positive way (Bandura, 1997; Smith & Betz, 2002). Practicality of Self-EfficacyThis confidence or self-efficacy is......half of the article......d Research, 11,(3), 289-299McFarlane, A.H., Bellissimo, A., & Norman, G.R. (1995 ). The role of family and peers in social self-efficacy: Links to depression in adolescence. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 65, 402-410McWhirter, B.T. (1997). Loneliness, learned resourcefulness, and self-esteem in college students. Journal of Consulting and Development, 75, 460-469. Matsushima, R., & Shiomi, K. (2003). Social self-efficacy and interpersonal stress in adolescence. Social Behavior and Personality, 31, 323-332. Smith, H. & Betz, N. E. (2000). Development and evaluation of a measure of social self-efficacy in college students. Journal of Career Assessment, 8, 282-302. Wong, J. L., & Whitaker, D. J. (1993). Depressive mood states and their cognitive and personality correlates in college students: They improve over time. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 29, 615-621.