Contextualised self-beliefs in totality: an integrated framework from a longitudinal perspective

Abstract

The present longitudinal research investigation explored the differential effects of contextualised self-efficacy beliefs (i.e. task, course, global) on the concepts of personal resolve and effective functioning, and two adaptive outcomes, namely: school experience and academic achievement. 291 (141 girls, 150 boys) Year 7 secondary school students participated in the study, which spanned the course of four time points. Subsequent SEM analyses produced the following results, for example: (i) Time 1 task self-efficacy positively influenced Time 2 personal resolve and Time 2 effective functioning, (ii) Time 2 personal resolve positively influenced Time 3 contextualised self-efficacy beliefs, (iii) Time 2 effective functioning positively influenced Time 4 school experience, and Time 4 academic achievement, and (iv) Time 3 task-specific self-efficacy positively influenced Time 4 academic achievement and Time 4 school experience. This evidence, collectively, provides grounding for further research development (e.g. the importance of effective functioning) and educational practices for implementation.