Self-Efficacy

Dialogue journal writing is extensively regarded as an effective technique for enhancing the writing motivation of EFL/ESL students. However, studies on how dialogue journal writing enhances EFL students’ writing motivation are scarce in the Ethiopian context. This study investigates the impact of dialogue journal writing on freshman EFL students’ writing motivation. Employing a quasi-experimental design, two intact groups were selected from students in the social science stream. After checking their comparability at the onset of the intervention, the two groups were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 37) and comparison groups (n = 35) using coin flipping. Following this, the experimental group was instructed writing for 10 weeks based on the dialogue journal writing approach and the comparison group for the same period, but following the conventional approach. Data were collected before and after the intervention through a writing motivation questionnaire from both groups. The collected data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test, a paired sample t-test, and one-way MANOVA. The result of the study revealed that dialogue journal writing significantly enhanced the experimental group students' overall writing motivation (p<0.05), with a large effect size (d = 1.46), and its sub-components (enjoyment, self-efficacy, instrumentality, recognition, and effort), (p<0.05), with a moderate effect size (η²p = 0.371) when these sub-components were considered combined. The finding suggests that dialogue journal writing can effectively enhance EFL students’ writing motivation. Therefore, university EFL teachers are recommended to use dialogue journal writing in their writing classes to improve their students’ writing motivation.

Background: Identifying the practice conditions that optimize the learning of motor skills is one of the main objectives in the field of human motor learning research.Aim: Present study aimed to explore the effect of success criteria in low-error practice conditions on motor learning, self-efficacy, and mood states among female students.Materials and Methods: This practical quasi-experimental study was conducted in a field setting. The participants were 30 female students from Yazd University, selected through convenience sampling. After they completed the consent form, the selected participants were randomly divided into three groups: low-error practice with a large target (n= 10), low-error practice with a small target (n= 10), and a low-error control group (n= 10). Then, mixed ANOVA was applied in order to test the hypotheses and data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.Results: The findings indicate that both the large (P=0.003) and small (P=0.001) target groups significantly outperformed the control group (P=0 .033) regarding the difference in performance accuracy. Moreover, In the small target group, a significant difference was observed only in the happiness subscale considering mood states (P=0.001), while in the large target group, significant differences were found in the tension (P=0 .003), depression (P=0.001), and fatigue subscales (P= 0.001). Regarding self-efficacy, significant differences were observed in the power dimension in both the large (P=0 .001) and small target groups (P=0.003)Conclusion: The use of success criteria in low-error practice methods is beneficial, and it is recommended to adopt this approach to improve accuracy and stability in practice sessions.

English cartoons have become increasingly popular as a resource for language learners worldwide. While the literature has primarily focused on their impact on English language skills and sub-skills in EFL education, less attention has been given to their influence on cognitive and affective aspects such as emotion regulation and self-efficacy. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design to explore the impact of watching English cartoons on the emotion regulation and self-efficacy of adolescent Iranian EFL learners. 120 Iranian learners, aged 12 to 18, were recruited from English institutes in Tehran and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group watched two 30-minute episodes of selected American-produced animated cartoons per week for eight weeks, totaling 16 episodes, while the control group did not. The MANCOVA analysis revealed significant differences in self-efficacy and emotion regulation between the experimental and control groups, indicating that exposure to English cartoons positively influences learners' emotional responses and self-efficacy. Thematic analysis of the interview data highlighted positive evaluations of the experience, identifying five themes: enhancement of language skills, positive emotions leading to increased motivation, the prominence of comedy, contribution to sustained learning, and varying effects on self-efficacy. These findings hold valuable theoretical and practical implications for the field.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-efficacy training in reducing perfectionism and enhancing self-worth among gifted high school students. A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 40 gifted high school students randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-efficacy training program, while the control group received no intervention. Both groups were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a four-month follow-up. Perfectionism and self-worth were measured using validated scales. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in perfectionism scores from baseline (M = 72.45, SD = 5.28) to post-intervention (M = 64.32, SD = 6.15) and follow-up (M = 66.89, SD = 5.92) compared to the control group, which showed no significant change. Similarly, self-worth scores in the intervention group increased significantly from baseline (M = 32.19, SD = 4.15) to post-intervention (M = 38.45, SD = 3.92) and follow-up (M = 36.98, SD = 4.20), whereas the control group showed no significant change. The ANOVA results indicated significant main effects of time (F(2, 76) = 27.12, p < .001) and group (F(1, 76) = 102.95, p < .001) for perfectionism, and time (F(2, 76) = 24.65, p < .001) and group (F(1, 76) = 111.30, p < .001) for self-worth, with significant interaction effects for both variables. Self-efficacy training is effective in reducing perfectionism and enhancing self-worth among gifted high school students. The positive effects were maintained at a four-month follow-up, suggesting the potential long-term benefits of such interventions in this population.

This study aims to identify the cognitive and emotional components of self-advocacy in exceptional learners and examine the external factors that influence their ability to advocate for themselves in educational settings. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 29 exceptional learners recruited through online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring comprehensive data collection. NVivo software was used to conduct thematic analysis, identifying key cognitive and emotional factors related to self-advocacy. Participants shared their experiences regarding metacognitive awareness, decision-making, emotional regulation, and external support systems, providing rich qualitative data for analysis. The results indicated that self-advocacy among exceptional learners is shaped by cognitive competencies, including metacognition, decision-making, and information-seeking behaviors, as well as emotional factors such as self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional regulation. Participants who demonstrated strong metacognitive strategies and confidence were more effective self-advocates, whereas those facing anxiety or low self-efficacy struggled to assert their needs. External factors, such as educator support, family involvement, and institutional policies, played a critical role in shaping advocacy experiences. Online networks and digital advocacy resources were identified as valuable tools for enhancing self-advocacy skills. However, institutional barriers, including bureaucratic challenges and lack of awareness among educators, posed significant obstacles for learners. The study highlights the complexity of self-advocacy in exceptional learners, emphasizing the interplay between cognitive awareness, emotional resilience, and external support structures. Enhancing self-advocacy skills requires targeted interventions, including advocacy training, institutional support, and digital resource accessibility.

The present study was an attempt, in the first place, to observe whether there was any significant relationship among teachers’ critical thinking, self-efficacy, and perception of effective teaching. Moreover, the researchers tried to examine which variable was a better predictor of perception of effective teaching. To this end, the measures of the critical thinking ability of 143 EFL teachers were obtained using Honey’s (2000) Critical Thinking Questionnaire(adopted from Naieni, 2005). Also, their sense of efficacy was estimated utilizing Tschannen-Moran and Hoy’s (2001) Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale. Moreover, their perception of effective teaching was determined employing Bell’s (2005) Effective Teaching Questionnaire. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between both critical thinking and self efficacy of teachers and their perception of effective teaching. However, only two of the components of critical thinking, namely analysis and evaluation, were correlated with perception of effective teaching. Also, critical thinking components had a significant relationship with perception of effective teaching components. Additionally, it was found that there was a positive relationship between all components of self efficacy and perception of effective teaching and its components. Finally, the regression analysis showed that self efficacy was a better predictor of teachers’ perception of effective teaching in comparison with critical thinking though the margin of difference was not that large. This study has implications for the EFL teacher preparation and education programs.

This study investigated the effect of CAALL on Iranian EFL learners’ self-efficacy and reading skill development. A convenience sampling was run for the selection of the participants. A sample of 220 advanced EFL learners from four private English language institutes in Iran, participated in this study. Three instruments were used including quick placement test, self-efficacy questionnaire, and reading test. The learners’ self-efficacy questionnaire and reading test were administered to all the participants. CAAL practice was implemented by autonomous and non-autonomous teachers separately for 110 participants (an experimental group and a control group). The experimental group members received CAALL in virtual mode. They were trained by two teachers on how to be autonomous in their reading performance. For the control group members, the reading practice was executed virtually. But they did not receive the practice of CAALL. They have followed the conventional teaching of reading. The practice was presented through WhatsApp Messenger. The treatment of the study was followed for 16 ninety-minute sessions. After the instructional phase, learners’ self-efficacy questionnaire and reading test were administered to all the participants again. This study has some pedagogical contributions for EFL teachers, learners, Language teaching syllabus designers, and language teaching curriculum developers.

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic diseases of the central nervous system, and the disability resulting from the disease impacts self-efficacy and various mental health dimensions of these patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to propose a structural model for predicting psychological well-being and emotional regulation based on resilience and self-efficacy among MS patients in Tehran. Methods: Given its objective, this research is of the applied type and descriptive in nature concerning data collection methods, specifically employing structural equation modeling. The statistical population of this study included all individuals with MS attending treatment centers in Tehran in 2021, with a minimum sample size estimated at 150. The variables studied were based on the Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale, the Gross and John's Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Schwarzer and Jerusalem's Self-Efficacy Scale. Ultimately, data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in AMOS software. Findings: According to the study's findings, all standardized coefficient values related to the dimensions of the latent variables were higher than 0.4, indicating that this measurement model has adequate reliability regarding the items of latent variables. Critical ratio values are usually introduced as validity parameters associated with the structural model and, in this study, all values were significant and outside the range of (-1.96, 1.96), with Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values greater than 0.7 and AVE values greater than 0.5. Conclusion: Thus, the model enjoys appropriate validity and reliability.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy on self-efficacy and posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental study (pre-test - post-test with control group) involved 30 women with breast cancer in Sari (2021) who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups of 15 participants each, an experimental group and a control group. The measurement instruments used were the General Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem (1979) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory by Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996), completed by the participants. Subsequently, participants in the experimental group attended 10 sessions of 60-minute emotion-focused therapy over a period of ten weeks. However, no therapy sessions were conducted for the control group. Ultimately, data analysis was performed using the covariance analysis method. Findings: The analysis revealed that after the intervention, there was a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in both variables of self-efficacy and posttraumatic growth (p ≤ .05). Significant differences were observed in the components of self-efficacy (general self-preparedness and social self-efficacy) and three components of posttraumatic growth (relating to others, personal strength, and appreciation of life) between the women in the experimental and control groups (p ≤ .05); however, no significant differences were observed in the components of new possibilities and spiritual change. Conclusion: The use of emotion-focused therapy is an appropriate intervention to enhance self-efficacy and posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer, which can be beneficial for improving psychological well-being and better coping with the disease and treatment.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on resilience and self-efficacy in female heads of households. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test control group design. The statistical population included female heads of households who sought counseling services at centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 30 individuals were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). The instruments used in this study were the Resilience Questionnaire and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. The experimental group received eight two-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, while the control group did not receive any specific intervention. Findings: The findings indicated that the mean scores of resilience and self-efficacy in the post-test were significantly higher than those in the pre-test for the experimental group. Conclusion: Consequently, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has an effect on enhancing resilience and self-efficacy in female heads of households.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the self-efficacy of adolescents with a history of domestic violence. Methods: The research method was a semi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test structure and a non-equivalent control group. The study population consisted of 69 adolescent girls, aged 14 to 18 years, who had experienced domestic violence and had a case file at the Social Emergency Center of Babol city during the second half of 2023. A total of 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups of 15 participants each and one control group of 15 participants. Data were collected using the Morris Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (2001). A summary of TF-CBT sessions, adapted from Cohen (2001), consisting of 10 sessions of 90 minutes each, and a summary of ACT sessions, adapted from Hayes et al. (2004), consisting of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each, were administered to the experimental groups. No intervention was applied to the control group. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS 18 software. Findings: The findings indicated that both TF-CBT and ACT had an effect on the self-efficacy of adolescents with a history of domestic violence. However, TF-CBT was more effective than ACT in enhancing self-efficacy. Conclusion: The results of this study could provide practical implications for therapists and counselors.