Measures of self-precept must be tailored to the domain of psychological functioning being explored.

We are more heavily invested in the theories of failure than we are in the theories of success.

Moral justification is a powerful disengagement mechanism. Destructive conduct is made personally and socially acceptable by portraying it in the service of moral ends. This is why most appeals against violent means usually fall on deaf ears.

A theory that denies that thoughts can regulate actions does not lend itself readily to the explanation of complex human behavior.

Convictions that outcomes are determined by one's own actions can be either demoralizing or heartening, depending on the level of self-judged efficacy. People who regard outcomes as personally determined, but who lack the requisite skills, would experience low self-efficacy and view the activities with a sense of futility

Because of such conjointedness, behavior that exerts no effect whatsoever on outcomes is developed and consistently performed

After people become convinced they have what it takes to succeed, they persevere in the face of adversity and quickly rebound from setbacks. By sticking it out through tough times, they emerge stronger from adversity.