A Contextual Action Theory Perspective on Self-Efficacy in Individual Counseling

Abstract

This chapter utilizes a contextual action theory framework to examine client self-efficacy as an underlying process of individual counseling. It provides a concise overview of seminal research and core findings regarding client self-efficacy within counseling process and advances a rationale for the conceptual and methodological benefits of a contextual action theory perspective on self-efficacy construction within individual counseling. The chapter presents case study material that describes self-efficacy construction as a goal directed action process. These depictions integrate key sources of self-efficacy, mastery experience and physiological arousal, and establish functional links between action occurring within, outside, and between counseling sessions. Similarly, the case study material illustrates how viewing clients and counselors goals provides an integrative lens for understanding the social persuasion and vicarious learning sources of self-efficacy as social constructive processes occurring within, outside, and between individual counseling. These descriptions of self-efficacy construction as joint action processes are followed by practical recommendations for counselors seeking to engage their clients in efficacy enhancing conversations. Such counselors are advised to attend to their clients’ efficacious and inefficacious dialogue, be mindful of the goals constructed in their clients’ dialogue, view the dialogue of counseling as a joint action process that constructs meaning for the client, consider the role of client emotionality, and be intentional in communicating about clients’ abilities.