Brody, E. B., Hatfield, B. D., & Spalding, T. W. (1988). Generalization of self-efficacy to a continuum of stressors upon mastery of a high-risk sport skill. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10, 32-44.

Ss (N = 34; college males) learned the high-risk skill of rappelling. Self-efficacy for performing similar activities (scuba diving, hang gliding, mountain climbing, white water rafting, rock climbing, downhill skiing, automobile racing, hot-air ballooning, white water tubing, diving (swimming), and motor cycle racing) and cognitive (serial number subtraction) and psychomotor (pursuit rotor) laboratory activities was measured.

Self-efficacy was enhanced toward the rappel activity and the perceived increase was generalized to other high-risk activities (e.g., scuba diving, sky diving, hang gliding, rock climbing, downhill skiing, mountain climbing, and white water tubing). State anxiety was reduced toward the rappelling situation. No generalizations occurred toward the laboratory tasks.

Implication. These results support the generalization of self-efficacy to relatively similar situations.

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