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Self-Efficacy: Expectancy-Value Part 2

" Well, this must be quite a change for you, right, Ed?

Blog Post #4

Self Efficacy

The second lesson covering expectancy-value theory focused on expectancy's first part of the equation. The central idea of this lesson was the concept of self-efficacy. This term means one's belief in the outcome of their goal. If one has little faith in their ability to accomplish a task, they are much less likely to even attempt it. Self-Efficacy can be formed in four central ways that will each be related to Edward Scissorhands.

Personal Behavioral History

The first of the four sub-sections that create self-efficacy is the also the least impactful to our main character. This is best described by saying that if you have been able to complete similar task in the past it will create belief that you will continue being successful at similar task in the future. Sadly, Edward grew up in an isolated environment and the movie does not even state how long it was between the time of his invention and when he gets found by Peg, so, one can reasonably assume that his prior experience with interpersonal communication has been lacking. Furthermore, throughout the duration of the film we receive confirmation of this fact through Edwards clear misunderstanding  of social ques and general awkward demeanor

Vicarious Experience

The second sub-section has a stronger impact than the first for our protagonist. This can be defined as seeing others completing the task you want to complete and drawing belief from this observation. Given that to accomplish Edwards goal one of his main obstacles is talking like a normal human being that fact humans often times talk to each other provided Edward with a large amount of evidence that normal communication is achievable for him. The most pertinent example of this would be during the cook out when the townsfolk can all be seen engaging in small talk.



Verbal Persuasion

The third sub-section is one that throughout the movie Edward has in spades from his support system.
This can be summed up by saying that having people consistently providing words of affirmation regarding your ability to complete a task will provide confidence to you if you value that persons opinion. Throught the movie Edwards biggest supporter and emotional rock is Peg. She consistently pushes Eddy out of his comfort zone and positively reinforces him with her words and action when he feels down. Before the barbecue she reassures him to just be himself and that his realness would shine through to all the townsfolk. This has a clear positive effect on Edward.


                                   

Physiological State

The last of the four sub-sections is the only one which negatively impacts Edwrads self-efficacy. This is described as how one feels in the moment, if you feel happy and energetic you will have more confidence that the goal is within reach while the opposite is also true if you are experiencing negative emotions. By the end of the movie Edwrad is definitely feeling a lot of stress and anxiety which leads him to run away. At that point his fight or flight has kicked in and he has totally abandoned his goal of creating a positive relationship with the townspeople. 

Helplessness

A bonus section that I will talk about is Helplessness. This unlike the others is a word about a reaction to an event. People who you could describe as experiencing helplessness are quick to drop their belief and the pursuit of their goals when things do not go their way. Edward is certainly one of these people. When lies start getting spread regarding his actions with joyce and he gets caught breaking into Jim's house he does not attempt to remedy the situation. Instead, Edward stays at home.










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