In this volume, Professor Bandura situates the self-efficacy construct within a theory of personal and collective agency that operates in concert with other sociocognitive factors in regulating human well-being and attainment. Bandura also addresses the major facets of agency - the nature and structure of self-efficacy beliefs, their origins and effects, the processes through which such self-beliefs operate, and the modes by which they can be created and strengthened. In addition, Bandura reviews a vast body of research on each of these aspects of agency in diverse applications of the theory. Must-reading for everyone interested in psychology and, specifically, self-efficacy beliefs.

Proffessor Bandura explores the self-system throughout lifespan. Self-regulation and perceived self-efficacy help people to adjust to realities of each life's stage, from early childhood till aging and preparation to death. Perceived self-efficacy refers to beliefs in one's capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce given attainments.