Forceful actions arising from erroneous beliefs often create social effects that confirm the misbeliefs

In the self-appraisal of efficacy, there are many sources of information that must be processed and weighed through self-referent thought

In any given instance, behavior can be predicted best by considering both self-efficacy and outcome beliefs . . . different patterns of self-efficacy and outcome beliefs are likely to produce different psychological effects

The adequacy of performance attainments depends upon the personal standards against which they are judged

People are much more likely to act on their self-percepts of efficacy inferred from many sources of information rather than rely primarily on visceral cues. This is not surprising because self knowledge based on information about one's coping skills, past accomplishments, and social comparison is considerably more indicative of capability than the indefinite stirrings of the viscera

Accomplishment is socially judged by ill defined criteria so that one has to rely on others to find out how one is doing.

People who believe they have the power to exercise some measure of control over their lives are healthier, more effective and more successful than those who lack faith in their ability to effect changes in their lives.