Regulation of cognitive processes through perceived self-efficacy.

The articles included in the special series in this issue of Developmental Psychology demonstrate that perceived self-efficacy for memory functioning is an important facet of metamemory. Self-beliefs of efficacy can enhance or impair performance through their effects on cognitive, affective, or motivational intervening processes. This commentary addresses a number of issues concerning the extension of self-efficacy theory to memory functioning. These include the following: the multidimensionality and measurement of perceived memory capabilities; the veridicality of memory self-appraisal; the efficacious exercise of personal control over memory functioning; the psychosocial processes by which people preserve a favorable sense of memory self-efficacy over the life span; and strategies for generalizing the impact of training in memory skills. Much of the research on perceived self-efficacy has focused on its role in the regulation of motivation, action, and affective arousal (Bandura, 1986; 1988a, 1988b, in press). More recently, research conducted within this conceptual framework has sought to clarify how perceived self-efficacy affects thinking processes, either as events of interest in their own right or as intervening influences of other aspects of psychosocial functioning. This research has begun to delineate the ways in which self-percepts of efficacy can enhance or impair the level of cognitive functioning (Bandura, in press). These cognitive effects take various forms.