Weinberg, R., Gould, D., & Jackson, A. (1980). Relationship between self-efficacy and performance in a competitive setting. A paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Sport Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Self-efficacy is considered to be expectation of performance success. Self-efficacy theory predicts that differences between expectations and performances are maximized in the face of obstacles and aversive consequences.

In this investigation it was found that Ss who had high self-efficacy performed better than those with lower self-efficacy in problematical situations.

Implication. Athletes will perform to higher standards if they can justify their belief that they will perform well, even when negative and aversive contest situations arise. After failures, coaches should work with athletes on defining procedures for, and hopefully demonstrating, performance improvements at training so that self-efficacy for the next competitive performance will be enhanced.

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