Individual differences in age and self-efficacy in the unemployed

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of age in influencing the relationships among general self‐efficacy, proactive attitude, and proactive coping in unemployed people. The sample consisted of 55 male and 49 female unemployed Australians participating in Job Search Training courses. They completed the General Self‐Efficacy (GSE) Scale, the Proactive Attitude (PA) Scale, and the Proactive Coping (PC) Scale. The GSE, PA, and PC scores were found to be correlated, and a moderating effect for age was found on the relationship between PA and GSE. Regression analysis indicated that the moderation process could be explained by a mediating effect of PC. The results are discussed in terms of social learning theory, and implications are drawn regarding customisation of training programs for the unemployed.

No Choices, No Chances: How Contemporary Enterprise Culture is Failing Britain's Underclasses

“…Efficacious folk believe that they can change situations and behaviours to produce more positive outcomes for themselves. These findings raise the question of whether negative perceptions and powerlessness can be converted into positive attitudes and self-efficacy in the young (Albion et al, 2002).…”

“…Interestingly, Albion et al (2002) found a correlation between age and self-efficacy in the unemployed. Older participants tended to be more efficacious due to the positive reinforcement of their decision making over time, whereas the young did not enjoy such self-assurance to the same degree.…”

“…As we have seen from the work of Willis (1977) and others, the transitional period of their lives between the onset of delinquency and their entry into the workplace can profoundly affect the working patterns and job expectations of youths, dictating whether they enter into the worlds of crime or enterprise (Albion et al, 2002;Willis, 1977). Interestingly, Albion et al (2002) found a correlation between age and self-efficacy in the unemployed.…”

“…The vulnerability of these young adults in transition has been highlighted by four decades of research (as detailed below). This is important because as these minority youths move into maturity they need to be able to do so without unemployment frustrating the transition, due to the importance placed on paid employment and work ethics (Albion et al, 2002;Willis, 1977). In stark contrast, in white, capitalist Western cultures, the entrepreneur stands at the pinnacle of achievement.…”

The influence of competitive co-action on kata performance

“…For instance, Albion, Fernie & Burton [2005] have shown that age positively moderated effects on proactive behaviours that include positive attitudes and coping styles. Factors indicating participants' experience (i.e., age and belt rank in a martial art) could therefore have an effect on SF.…”