Effects of coping skills training on generalized self-efficacy and locus of control.
A number of studies have shown that mastery experiences strengthen self-efficacy expectancies that are specific to the mastery situation. In this study I assessed the effects of cognitive-behavioral coping skills training on generalized expectancies concerning self-efficacy and locus of control in test-anxious college students. Compared with a waiting-list control group, the trained subjects exhibited significant decreases on trait and state measures of test anxiety and a higher level of academic performance on classroom tests, as well as changes in specific self-efficacy expectancies relating to test-anxiety management and academic performance. Consistent with generalization predictions derived from self-efficacy theory, the coping skills group also exhibited decreases in general trait anxiety and increased scores on a trait measure of generalized self-efficacy. Locus of control was unaffected by the program, and changes in general self-efficacy were unrelated to changes in locus of control, suggesting the possibility that different parameters of experience are related to changes in the two types of generalized expectancies.
Smith
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Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
D000124:Achievement; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept