Developmental Stages of Modeling and Self-Efficacy

Childhood
According to Bandura, infancy, modeling is limited to immediate imitation. The modeled behavior must be repeated several times and must be within the infant’s range of sensorimotor development. By 2, children have develop sufficient attentional, retention, and production processes to begin imitating behavior some time after the observation rather than immediately. Parents and then teachers influence self-efficacy judgments through their impact on the development of cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills, which are vital to efficient adult functioning (Schneewind, 1995).

Adolescence
The transitional experiences of adolescence involve coping with new demands and pressures. Bandura noted that the success of this stage typically depends on the level of self-efficacy established during the childhood years.

Adulthood
Bandura divided adulthood into two periods, young adulthood and the middle years. Young adulthood involves adjustments such as marriage, parenthood, and career advancement. People with high self-efficacy have successful outcomes of these experiences. The middle years of adulthood are also stressful as people reevaluate their careers and their family and social lives.

Old Age
Self-efficacy now becomes difficult in old age. A lowering of self-efficacy can effect physical and mental functioning. To Bandura, self-efficacy is the crucial factor in determining success or failure throughout the entire life span.