Introduction
Various social theories aim to determine the roots and framework generating growth and motivation. Both the Social Cognitive Theory and the Self-Determination Theory correlate with the idea of self-efficacy, which implies that a person who has confidence in the ability to achieve a goal can successfully accomplish it. On the other hand, the two frameworks differ in the way they explain the source of motivation.
In the case of the Social Cognitive Theory, the interaction with the environment is at the forefront, as well as the observation of the behavior of others and the consequences following it. Simultaneously, the self-determination theory correlates with the intrinsic measure of motivation and its nature within the person aiming to achieve the goal. In my opinion, which aligns with JK Rowling’s biography, self-efficacy is a concept derived from the external world and intrinsic feelings and beliefs.
Theories: Contrast and Compare
Social Cognitive Theory
In order for the notion of self-efficacy to be examined from the perspectives of the frameworks highlighting it, it is essential to define the two theories. The Social Cognitive Theory is the model examining human behavior, its causes, and its influences (Liu et al., 2022). Social cognition is believed to have mediators that directly or indirectly impact one’s behavioral patterns.
The mediators include outcome perception, external support, and self-regulating acts (Liu et al., 2022). Outcome perception is the concept of illustrating one’s observation of how behaviors are rewarded or punished. For example, a student who observes a classmate being punished for cheating on a test is less likely to replicate such behavior due to the perceived negative connotation of the outcomes.
External support is the notion that implies how others support one’s behavior. The context can be different, such as patterns supported in the family or society as a whole. For example, a child who succeeds in academia with the support of his parents is more motivated to engage in such behavior.
Last but not least, self-regulation is an intrinsic set of regulatory mechanisms. This is the case for behaviors that can remain hidden or unobserved by others. An example would be a person employed by a company who works remotely. On the one hand, there may be opportunities to skip certain tasks and be less productive due to a lack of supervision. However, as the person recognizes that such decisions lead to self-judgment and an intrinsic understanding of their negative nature, they are avoided.
Self-Determination Theory
The Self-Determination theory does not contradict the fact that one’s behavior and motivation are, to an extent, impacted by external factors. However, the concept of intrinsic motivation is at the forefront of the theory. Researchers highlight that the framework of self-determination examines one’s motivation, which forms within rather than on the outside (Ryan & Deci, 2020). The three concepts that align with the theory are autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Hence, in comparison with the Social Cognitive Theory, the Self-Determination model is focused on the person’s interaction with their character and value system rather than the external environment.
On the one hand, growth and motivation relate to autonomy. This implies that one desires to succeed rather than having a duty or being compelled to. An example would be the difference between a person pursuing a career rather than being forced by their parents. In this case, the individual who makes the choice autonomously is more likely to be motivated to succeed.
Competence, on the other hand, is one’s skills and ability to achieve success. This implies a level of mastery required to achieve a goal, such as knowledge or experience. Last but not least, relatedness is the connection and the sense of inclusivity in the behavior. An example is belonging and being welcomed into a team or social group.
Relationship Between Theories
None of the theories necessarily excludes the other one. At the same time, the frameworks have contrasting center points. Researchers mention that the Social Cognitive Theory relates to personal and environmental factors (Usher & Ford, 2022). However, in this case, even personal factors are viewed from the prism of society as behavior and perception, which are, to a certain extent, learned. In the case of Self-Determination, authors do, indeed, mention the importance of controlled motivation linked to external factors (Fernández-EspĂnola et al., 2020). However, the root of motivation has been associated with one’s sense of self and autonomy.
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy is a notion that refers both to the Social Cognitive Theory and the Intrinsic Motivation (Self-Determination) Theory. The term itself shares a meaning with confidence. Hence, self-efficacy is the phenomenon in which one believes in oneself and one’s ability to fulfill a goal or an accomplishment. Thus, the construct implies that motivation is closely related to one’s belief that one can succeed as, without said belief, efforts are difficult to make. Self-efficacy has a relatively contrasting relevance in the two aforementioned theories as being connected to external stimuli or intrinsic confidence.
Researchers have examined the notion of self-efficacy from the perspective of the frameworks mentioned previously. Specifically, the authors say that efficacy in a social cognitive sense is one’s judgment of success, which is, to an extent, dependent upon social evaluation (Liu et al., 2022). Hence, a person’s self-efficacy becomes substantial if case support is provided and society supports the goals and accomplishments of the individual. In the self-determination paradigm, self-efficacy relates to an intrinsic understanding of the actions that lead to success. In this case, a person is aware of their skills and acts confidently, knowing that all the components of success are present and proficiently utilized.
Personal Reflection
In my personal life, I have discovered that intrinsic and external sources of self-efficacy are required to be an effective self-leader. External self-efficacy is manifested through the support of loved ones, especially family members and friends. I am more confident in my abilities when the people I respect and believe in reassure me of my skills.
A job interview, public speaking event, or scary activity can quickly become enjoyable when receiving kind and motivating words from others. As a result, teachers can encourage students, parents can motivate children, and friends can motivate their acquaintances to succeed by believing in the people they want to see thrive. Hence, it is certain that, to an extent, I drive my self-efficacy from outside sources, especially when these sources are those I admire.
Self-efficacy comes from within, and I derive it from my character and the innate desire to succeed and be the designer of my life and path. A similar approach can be observed in J.K. Rowling’s journey to success, both internal and external. The author of one of the most popular book franchises, Harry Potter, had to overcome a variety of obstacles, from being a single mother on government assistance to not being able to find the support of publishers who would release her books (Hall, 2020). Rowling grew up in relative poverty, and none of her parents were writers. Moreover, they were unaware that she secretly wrote books, which indirectly implies that they could not have supported her ideas. Instead, Rowling has always wanted to be an author and has generated her own success solely through her strong will to do what she loves.
Similar to J.K. Rowling’s example, one of my sources of self-efficacy is my desires and dreams, which I have cherished from a young age. As highlighted, the support of others is undeniably essential in building confidence and motivation. However, self-leadership implies the presence of a strong character, the ability to make decisions rationally, and a sense of strength that can only be achieved autonomously.
Conclusion
The Social-Cognitive and Intrinsic Motivation Theories are psychological frameworks that aim to explain what impacts behavior and motivation. The first moted focuses on the importance of the external environment and its influence on one’s choices. In contrast, the second one is centered around autonomy and intrinsic decisions.
In both cases, self-efficacy as confidence is essential, yet it is derived from different places. In my experience, combining outside support and internal work on myself helps me achieve my goals. J.K. Rowling is an excellent example of a person who has relied on herself in the most challenging moments, has independently achieved all her goals, and has reached great success in her artistic line of work.
References
Fernández-EspĂnola, C., Almagro, B. J., Tamayo-Fajardo, J. A., & Sáenz-LĂłpez, P. (2020). Complementing the self-determination theory with the need for novelty: Motivation and intention to be physically active in physical education students. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. Web.
Hall, D. (2020). JK Rowling turned down by 12 publishers before finding success with Harry Potter Books. Interviews With People Overcoming Adversity And Succeeding In Life. Web.
Liu, J., Zeng, M., Wang, D., Zhang, Y., Shang, B., & Ma, X. (2022). Applying social cognitive theory in predicting physical activity among Chinese adolescents: A cross-sectional study with multigroup structural equation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. Web.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and Future Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61. Web.
Usher, E., & Ford, C. J. (2022). Social Cognitive Theory and Personal Agency. Routledge.