Microanalysis of action and fear arousal as a function of differential levels of perceived self-efficacy

Two experiments combining intergroup and intra-S designs tested the hypothesis that perceived self-efficacy (SE) operates as a cognitive mediator of coping behavior (CB) and fear arousal (FA). Differential levels of SE were induced in 20 snake- and spider-phobic Ss (aged 16-62 yrs) through enactive mastery or modeling, and their CB and FA were measured. In the next phase, SE was successively raised to designated levels within the same Ss, and their CB and FA were measured again. CB corresponded closely to instated SE, with higher levels of perceived SE being accompanied by greater performance attainments. The SE-action relationship was replicated across different modes of SE and behavioral dysfunctions, and in both intergroup and intra-S comparisons. The hypothesis that FA stems largely from perceived coping inefficacy also received support. Results of Exp II (12 Ss), which used cardiac acceleration and elevation in blood pressure as indicants of FA, further corroborate the generality of the relationship between perceived coping inefficacy and stress reactions. (26 ref)