Magister Commercii (Industrial Psychology) - MCom(IPS) / The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy, goal-setting and achievement motivation among students in their final year at a selected university in the Western Cape Province. The sample consisted of 128 final year students who were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaires comprise a section on the biographical information of the participants as well as sections containing the, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Achievement Motivation Scale and a Goal Setting Questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the various participants and anonymity of participation and confidentiality were ensured. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The Statistical analyses techniques employed included Item Analysis, Pearson’s Correlation test, Factor Analysis and a Multiple Regression Analysis. The results of the study indicate there is a statistically significant relationship between selfefficacy and goal-setting (Hypothesis 1), self-efficacy and achievement motivation (Hypothesis 2), achievement motivation and goal-setting among students in their final year of study (Hypothesis 3). Furthermore the results indicated that self-efficacy and goal-setting are significant predictors of achievement motivation (Hypothesis 4). These findings indicate that the stronger an individual’s belief in their perceived self-efficacy, the more likely they are to set challenging goals for themselves which may in turn result in a stronger commitment to attaining those goals. In addition, students who are assured in their ability to achieve success in their studies are most likely to possess the need to achieve excellence. Furthermore, results suggest that students who possess the need to achieve excellence or demonstrate higher levels of achievement motivation have the tendency to set more challenging goals than those with lower levels of achievement motivation. / National Research Foundation

Self-efficacy is considered to be a significant variable for enhancing all aspects of human performance (Druckman, 2004). Social support may influence self-efficacy through each of the four channels of self-efficacy information which consist of performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion and physiological responses (Bandura, 1997). The primary aim of this study was to explore and describe the nature of change that occurred in selfefficacy and received social support of university-age academy cricketers over the duration of an academy programme. The secondary aim was to explore and describe the relationship between the two constructs, self-efficacy and social support. Sixty-five male, university-age (18-25 years) provincial academy cricketers completed a social support measure and a self-efficacy measure specifically designed for the purposes of this study. These measures were based on Rees and Freeman’s (2007) items and Cox, Martens and Russell’s (2003) revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2 - Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump & Smith, 1990) respectively. The perceived pre- and post-academy personal ratings of self-efficacy and social support, obtained prior to the start of the South African Interprovincial Academy Cricket week, referred to participants’ perceptions before and after attending their respective provincial academies. An inferential pre-experimental post-pretest design was used. The results included significant changes found in self-efficacy, esteem social support, informational social support and tangible social support over the academy season. There were no differences attributed to the length of time a cricketer had spent at the academy or to the cricketer’s highest level of achievement in cricket. The only significant correlation that existed between self-efficacy and social support was the correlation between self-efficacy and x informational social support. This study provided an initial insight into the role of self-efficacy and social support in talented cricketers, especially in a South African context.

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death in Canada and other developed countries. Physical activity based cardiac rehabilitation programs have been shown to reduce the likelihood of subsequent cardiac events and even reverse the disease process. However, factors influencing physical activity in cardiac patients are still not clearly understood. The overall objective of this dissertation was therefore to better understand motivation and physical activity in a cardiac rehabilitation context. Specifically, theory-based motivational variables were studied as correlates of physical activity. To accomplish this objective, a two-purpose research approach was taken. First, two articles (Article-1 and Article-2) aimed to test and integrate concepts from two strong motivational theories: Self-Efficacy Theory (SET) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) into one comprehensive model using the novel and rigorous approach of Noar and Zimmerman (2005). The second purpose of this dissertation was to extend the findings from the first purpose by investigating physical activity and motivational patterns over a 24-month period in cardiac patients (Article 3). With regards to the first purpose, Article-1 revealed that the integration of SDT and SET was feasible as the integrated model had good model fit, explained more variance in self-determined motivation, confidence, and physical activity and supported similar number of hypothesised links in a cross-sectional cardiac sample as well two other samples: primary care adults and university students. Due to the cross-sectional nature of Article-1, Article-2 tested the integrated SDT-SET model from cardiac patients with longitudinal data of patients following a cardiac rehabilitation program. Although no motivational variables predicted residual change in physical activity at 4-months, this longitudinal model was found to have good model fit. Across both articles, the integration of SDT and SET was found to be possible. However, more research is needed to further test the integration of these theories. As for the second purpose of this dissertation, Article-3 investigated physical activity and motivational patterns of cardiac rehabilitation participants over the course of 24 months. Distinct patterns were found for physical activity, self-determined motivation, barrier self-efficacy and outcome expectations. In addition, individuals in the higher patterns of the motivational/expectancy variables had greater probability of being in the maintenance physical activity pattern compared to individuals in the other motivational/expectancy patterns. Therefore, this article extended findings from the first purpose by linking SDT and SET variables to long-term physical activity behaviour. SDT and SET should continue to be investigated together in order to increase our understanding of the mechanisms leading to greater motivation and subsequent increases in physical activity levels. Having a theoretically supported pathway to build motivation is ideal to inform future interventions and cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Abstract Past research has shown that motivation is an important predictor of goal-related behaviors. Sheldon and Elliot (1999) proposed the Self-Concordance Model (SCM), to distinguish between personal goals that reflect intrinsic interests and values (self-concordant goals) and personal goals that are pursued because of self-imposed and social pressures (self-discordant goals). Another important motivational construct is self-efficacy, people’s beliefs in their capabilities to exercise control over their level of functioning and their environment (Bandura, 1996). Self-efficacy has been shown to predict goal attainment and well-being as people who are self-efficacious put more effort and commitment towards their goals (Koestner, Horberg, Gaudreau, Powers, Di Dio, Bryan, Jochum & Salter, 2006). Despite the unique contribution of self-concordance and self-efficacy, little is known about their combined effects. I performed a study with 135 university students to investigate whether two self-regulatory processes could in fact be better than one. Results using hierarchical regression analyses indicated that self-efficacy did moderate the relationship between self-concordance and the outcome variables. Self-concordance was associated with greater well-being and goal progress for those high on self-efficacy (β = .21, p < .05; β = .33, p < .01) while negatively relating to well-being and goal progress for those low on self-efficacy (β = -.22, p = .07; β = -.19, p > .05 ). It appears that two motivational processes combined, self-concordance and self-efficacy, are in fact better than one.

Identifying modifiable factors associated with physical activity (PA) is necessary to develop effective behaviour change interventions to promote PA. We examined the associations between parental support, parental control, youth’s self-efficacy, enjoyment, and PA participation in- and out-of-school. Data for our cross-sectional study were collected via self-report questionnaires from 602 youth (Mage=13.4 years; SD=.6) and analyzed using path analysis. We found that parental support and parental control indirectly influenced youth’s PA via self-efficacy and enjoyment. Specifically, parental control negatively influenced youth’s self-efficacy and enjoyment (β=-.12 to -.15), whereas parental support positively influenced youth’s self-efficacy and enjoyment (β=.18 to .31). Also, youth’s self-efficacy and enjoyment positively influenced PA performed in- and out-of-school (β=.12 to .26). Our findings suggest parental supportive and controlling behaviours affect youth’s self-efficacy and enjoyment, which in turn influence PA participation in different settings. Promoting parental support, while reducing parental control, may effectively increase youth’s participation in PA.

Music Performance Anxiety is something that has affected a number of musicians and numerous studies have been conducted on performance anxiety in adult musicians. However, research on performance anxiety in children and adolescence is still lacking when compared to literature on adult and music performance anxiety. This study examined the signs and symptoms that children (ages 8-12) and teenagers (ages 13-17) feel and the levels of performance anxiety they perceive. In addition, this study also examined levels of perfectionism, self-efficacy and gender as predictors of anxiety and compared these with levels of anxiety. Sixty-five participants completed three questionnaires and a demographic survey. Results suggest a tentative increasing relationship between music performance anxiety and age while no relationship between gender and anxiety was found. Strong relationships between perfectionism and self-efficacy with anxiety indicate that students with high levels of perfectionism and low levels of self-efficacy are more likely to have high levels of performance anxiety. Just as previous studies with adults have found, our findings in children and adolescents suggest that perfectionism may render people vulnerable to performance anxiety while self-efficacy may be an important buffer against this anxiety.

Patients with advanced cancer (PWAC) are living months-years longer. With advances in oncological care, their illness can be considered chronic rather than terminal. This population of survivors emerged within the last two decades and their needs are not well understood nor are appropriate resources available. A particular concern is depression. Both clinical and subclinical depressive symptomatology can impede functioning and quality of life (QOL). Using secondary clinical data from a palliative rehabilitation program (PRP), the thesis objectives were to a) examine pre-post changes in functioning and QOL, b) examine the mechanisms of change in depressive symptomatology, and c) examine the longitudinal course of depressive symptomatology. Study 1 examined pre-post changes in QOL and functioning. Outcomes from 67 PRP patients were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results revealed ameliorations in the majority of domains (e.g. physical functioning, malnutrition) including self-reported “depression.” These results counter the existing literature that has shown that these typically stay stable until one month before death, when they drastically worsen. This begins to support that rehabilitation may be beneficial for PWAC. Study 2 focused on the finding that depression scores decreased. Changes in systemic inflammation, exercise, and general self-efficacy (GSE) from 80 PRP patients were examined as predictors of change in depressive symptomatology using a hierarchical linear regression. The model accounted for 15% of change in depression symptomatology, and GSE was the only significant predictor. This suggests that a GSE theoretical framework may be helpful in reducing depressive symptomatology in interdisciplinary palliative rehabilitation. Study 3 focused on longitudinal depressive symptomatology. Three-month follow-up data from 80 patients were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA for continuous data and a Cochrane’s Q analysis for grouped data. Results revealed that patients maintained reduced scores at follow-up. This counters the existing literature, in which longitudinal maintenance is poor following exercise-based interventions. Therefore, PRP may offer something beyond what other published interventions have previously. These finding will be discussed in the context of other existing literatures and the implications will be discussed.

Tron på den egna förmågan att förbli återhållsam (”abstinence self-efficacy”) har visat sig vara en bidragande faktor till att personer med substansberoende lyckas förbli återhållsamma. Syftet med studien var att undersöka om det fanns gemensamma teman inom tron på den egna förmågan hos människor med substansberoende, med särskilt fokus på faktorer som bidrar till förmågan att förbli återhållsam. Detta har undersökts genom åtta intervjuer med människor som inte längre är aktiva i sitt substansberoende. Deltagarna var 19-65 år gamla, varav en var kvinna. Alla deltagare har haft någon form av substansberoende, varav sex deltagare hade alkohol som sin huvudsubstans. De teman som hittades inom förstärkande faktorer var yttre - relationer och aktiviteter, samt inre - inneboende motivation och tankar. Det tema som hittades inom faktorer som försvagar var motgångar. Studien kan användas för att bättre förstå vilka faktorer som är bidragande när det kommer till substansberoendes tro på den egna förmågan att förbli återhållsam.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the potential of coaching to develop female entrepreneurs' self-efficacy through learning and development. This was achieved by firstly conducting a needs analysis, which explored the potential of an e-coaching programme for female entrepreneurs in the North West of England. Secondly, implementing an e-coaching programme called TEC (Tailored E-Coaching) for female entrepreneurs in the North West of England and exploring the impact of the programme, specifically examining female entrepreneurs' learning development with regard to entrepreneurial self efficacy, general entrepreneurial attitudes and locus of control, compared to a control group who did not receive the coaching intervention. The study consisted of two stages, with two time points in stage two (pre and post programme). A mixed method approach was used, whereby qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The main barriers faced by female entrepreneurs appear to be based on access to funding and finance, balancing domestic responsibilities and work, a lack of human capital, a lack of social capital and lack of confidence. Women often dismiss entrepreneurial endeavours because they believe that they do not have the required skills (Wilson, Kickul and Marlino, 2007). In addition, they do not appear to be accessing the support that is currently available, particularly when compared with male entrepreneurs (Stranger, 2004; Fielden et al, 2003). However, there is limited empirical research examining female entrepreneurs' requirement regarding business support provision. One form of professional one-to-one support that may have the potential to overcome these barriers to entrepreneurial activity is coaching. Longitudinal empirical research examining the effectiveness of coaching and the learning processes in coaching relationships is scarce, with an absence of research using control groups (Smither and London, 2003). Thirty women were involved in stage one of the study. In stage two of the study, sixty female entrepreneurs (coachees and coaches) commenced a coaching relationship for six months and twenty six female entrepreneurs signed up to a control group (those not receiving the coaching intervention). The aim of the coaching programme was primarily to use instant messaging for the majority of coaching meetings. The relationship lasted approximately six months (2006-2007). Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and quantitative questionnaire data was analysed using paired sample t-tests. The study found that coachees' learning development resulted in increased levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and general entrepreneurial attitudes in a range ofkey areas and increased internality regarding locus of control. In contrast, the control group did not show any increase in entrepreneurial self-efficacy and showed a decrease in general entrepreneurial attitudes. Coaches developed their coachees through a range of learning processes, for example, enactive mastery and the clarification of business goals, vicarious experience through shared experiences and verbal persuasion through validation. The study found that online coaching has a variety of advantages, e.g. convenience, ease of access, and time to reflect on information.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between principal self-efficacy and personal characteristics, school conditions, and professional preparation among a selected group of Texas, public school principals. The survey instrument included the Principal Self-Efficacy Scale (PSES) developed by Tschannen-Moran & Garies in 2004, and other items. The survey instrument was electronically distributed to a random sample of 965 Texas, public school principals. From that population, 289 principals completed the survey for a response rate of 30%. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analyses which included descriptive statistics, correlations, and analysis of variance. Additionally, factor analysis and reliability were calculated for the PSES. The factor structure and reliability found in this study closely mirrored the results of earlier investigations, providing further support for the reliability and validity of the PSES. Out of 12 variables examined in relation to principal self-efficacy, a statistically significant relationship was found for gender, years of teaching experience, level, SES, parental involvement, and student discipline. However, all six of the statistically significant variables had a small effect size indicating limited practical significance. The results of this study support the need for continued research of principal self-efficacy beliefs. Principal self-efficacy research may help explain the relationships between effective principals and effective schools.