Self-concept, self-efficacy and confidence

Core Component

Self-concept, self-efficacy[1] and confidence is achieved through positive self-identity, body image and cultural connectedness or identity. This core component aims to build self-awareness and skills critical to dealing with difficult situations, embracing connection to self and culture, and fostering autonomy and independence. It may involve skill-building in self-efficacy related skills such as refusal, assertiveness and critical thinking skills. It may also include planning for and reappraisal of situations that are likely to evoke an emotional response, and practicing creative expression in a safe and supportive space.

Flexible activities include:

• Building skills, including refusal skills, assertiveness skills and critical thinking skills
• Identifying triggers for negative emotional responses and adaptive strategies for dealing with difficult situations
• Providing opportunities for creative expression or outlet
• Fostering a safe and supportive space
• Fostering autonomy and independence

There is a degree of overlap between this core component and the Mindfulness and self-regulation core component. Practitioners are advised to consider which core component is the most applicable and appropriate for their program and targeted cohort. For example, while flexible activities under the Mindfulness and self-regulation core component target body awareness and strategies for emotion and self-regulation, flexible activities under the Self-concept, self-efficacy and confidence core component hone  self-awareness and strategies for dealing with situations that are likely to evoke a negative emotional response. The focus on positive self-identity and cultural connectedness in the Self-concept, self-efficacy and confidence core component may lend itself more to programs that target a diverse cohort of young people and that aim to instil or enhance cultural connectivity.

Related core components

• Building motivation and monitoring behavioural change
• Mindfulness and self-regulation
• Prosocial skills and relationship-building
• Building knowledge and awareness for socioemotional wellbeing

[1] Self-efficacy refers to subjective judgments of one’s capabilities to organise and execute courses of action to attain designated goals (Bandura, 1977, 1997).  In other words, self-efficacy relates to a person’s perception of “how well can I do something?” rather than “what am I like?”