Changes in the relation of self-efficacy beliefs and behaviors across development

Pamela E. Davis-Kean, L. Rowell Huesmann, Justin Jager, W. Andrew Collins, John E. Bates, Jennifer E. Lansford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many social science theories that examine the connection between beliefs and behaviors assume that belief constructs will predict behaviors similarly across development. Converging research implies that this assumption may not be tenable across all ages or all belief constructs. Thus, to test this implication, the relation between behavior and beliefs about the self was examined in 2 independent data sets with 2 different constructs: aggression and achievement. The respondents were 6-18 years of age and predominately Caucasian. Results using quasi-simplex structural equation models suggest that self-beliefs become more strongly related to behavior as children grow older independent of the reliability of the measures used. Possible limitations in the use of self-report methodology with young children are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1257-1269
Number of pages13
JournalChild development
Volume79
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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