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The role of self-efficacy in specific fears

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  • Annalisa Lipp
  • Xiao Chi Zhang
  • Ekrem Dere
  • Armin Zlomuzica

Abstract

Low self-efficacy for threatening stimuli and situations has been proposed as an important etiological factor in the development and maintenance of specific phobias. The present study examined the relationships between general self-efficacy (GSE), specific self-efficacy (SSE) and specific fears in a representative sample (n = 717). While GSE was associated with higher self-reported fear and avoidance, SSE (e.g. SSE in the presence of animal-related fear) was more related to specific fears. SSE turned out to be a significant predictor of specific fear even after controlling for trait anxiety, age and gender. Interestingly, the association between SSE and specific fear differed across the different fear categories. Fear and avoidance of blood/injection/injuries showed the highest associations with SSE. In contrast, the association between natural environment-related fear and avoidance and GSE or SSE together was only modest. Exploratory analyses revealed a gender-specific effect on the strength of the association between SSE and specific fears. Women scored higher in animal-related fears and SSE. Our findings support the self-efficacy hypothesis of anxiety disorder development and provide a more detailed insight into the role of GSE and SSE in specific fears and phobias.

Suggested Citation

  • Annalisa Lipp & Xiao Chi Zhang & Ekrem Dere & Armin Zlomuzica, 2023. "The role of self-efficacy in specific fears," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0283660
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283660
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yali Wang & Lingzhong Xu & Wenzhe Qin & Jiao Zhang & Yu Xia & Xiang Jing & Lu Lu & An’an Jiao & Yaozu Li, 2019. "Gender Difference in General Self-Efficacy among Young-Old Elderly Aged 60–74 in Rural Shandong China: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-12, December.
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