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Exploring the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life

DeWitz, S. Joseph
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1087834931

Abstract Details

2004, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology.
Viktor Frankl’s (1985, 1988) system of logotherapy is used by professionals in diverse settings for helping individuals with a wide range of concerns experience more meaningful lives. Frankl (1988) was clear regarding the types of behavior necessary for gaining and maintaining purpose in life (e.g., encountering people, dealing with suffering). However, Frankl and other practitioners of logotherapy are less explicit concerning how individuals actually go about engaging in the necessary behaviors for improving their subjective sense of purpose in life. On the other hand, other researchers have utilized Bandura’s (1977, 1997) theory of self-efficacy for understanding the dynamics of various behaviors. At this time, there is virtually no empirical research looking at the association between self-efficacy and purpose in life. The following research initiates the exploration of the direct relationships between several forms of self-efficacy beliefs relevant to a college student population (i.e., college, social, and general) and purpose in life. The introduction begins by detailing Frankl’s logotherapy with emphasis on the construct of purpose in life followed by a basic overview of Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. Following the introduction is a review of the empirical literature concerning purpose in life and self-efficacy theory. Lastly, the method, results and discussion chapters explore the association between self-efficacy and purpose in life. Results supported significantly positive associations between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life. Furthermore, hierarchical regression revealed that the measure of general self-efficacy accounted for the greatest amount of variance in reports of purpose in life. Regression analyses also revealed that after general self-efficacy, college and social self-efficacy accounted for modest, but significant, additional, unique variance in participants’ reports of purpose in life. Implications, limitations and directions for future research of the study are discussed.
W. Walsh (Advisor)
86 p.
Psychology, General
self-efficacy; purpose in life; meaning; college students; logotherapy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • DeWitz, S. J. (2004). Exploring the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1087834931

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • DeWitz, S.. Exploring the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life. 2004. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1087834931.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • DeWitz, S.. "Exploring the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1087834931

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1087834931
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© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.