Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Self-Efficacy, and Mental/Personality Disorders

Social cognitive theory (SCT), self-efficacy, and mental/personality disorders, proposes how high self-efficacy acts as a buffer on the impact of stress on mental and personality disorders, but low self-efficacy is consistently associated with greater symptom severity and poorer coping mechanisms: 

• Mood disorders: Low self-efficacy is a significant vulnerability factor for depression. Individuals are less likely to persist in overcoming obstacles, leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. There’s also a negative feedback loop: low self-efficacy makes one more vulnerable to stress and depression, while the experience of depression further erodes their sense of self-efficacy.
• Anxiety disorders: Social and emotional self-efficacy plays a key role in the arousal and persistence of anxiety, particularly self-efficacy. Low self-efficacy concerning an individual’s ability to cope with perceived threats or social situations leads to avoidant behaviors, which in turn maintains the anxiety disorder.
• Personality Disorders: Research links low self-efficacy to general personality dysfunction, especially issues related to self-control and emotional regulation. Personality disorders often involve deficits in self-direction and self-control. Individuals with low self-efficacy in these areas struggle more with emotional regulation and distress tolerance.