Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1992
Thesis Director
William Addison
Abstract
In the investigation of the relationship between accuracy of perceived self-efficacy and levels of depression, conflicting results have been found. Some studies have shown that depressed subjects are more accurate at assessing their actual self-efficacy than nondepressed subjects, while other studies have shown that nondepressed subjects are more accurate than depressed subjects at assessing their actual self-efficacy. One common problem that exists in these studies is that their external validity is weak due to the uniqueness and random nature of the experimental designs. The present study attempts to address this problem by examining the relationship between levels of depression and perceived self-efficacy in a naturally occurring situation. In this experiment, a general format of the depression/perceived self-efficacy studies was used on an Abnormal Psychology class. The experimental data were collected from the subjects' estimated performance on an exam that was given in an Abnormal Psychology course (i.e., a naturally occurring circumstance). Contrary to the present hypothesis, no relationship was found to exist between depression and perceived self- efficacy. Possible confounding variables and recommendations for further investigation are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Cummins, David M., "Accuracy of Perceived Self-Efficacy in Relation to Levels of Depression" (1992). Masters Theses. 2196.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2196
