Social Learning and Coping Models (Part 2)

This Briefing continues a look at the social learning model of substance use and misuse, focusing on self-efficacy, another key element of SLT. Self-efficacy is the level of an individual’s confidence in their ability to organise and complete actions that lead to particular goals.

“The self-efficacy of a person who has developed problematic drinking following long-term use of alcohol to cope with life’s stressors is likely to have been badly affected by the excessive drinking, so they are even less likely to feel confident about using alternative coping strategies when faced with stressful situations.”