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Self-efficacy, Outcome Expectancy, Dental Health Value, and Dental Plaque
Objective:
This study measured the independent contributions of self-
efficacy, outcome expectations, and dental health value in predicting
an objective measure of preventive oral hygiene behavior, denta1
plaque.Methods:One hundred forty-eight subjects completed
study measures and then had their dental plaque levels measured.
Results: Structural equation mode1ing revealed that self-efficacy
for flossing significantly predicted plaque levels but self-efficacy
for brushing, outcome expectations, and dental value did not. Conclusion:
Results supported Bandura's belief that self-efficacy for specific
behavior can predict outcomes of that behavior, and outcome expectations
and value beliefs do not play an independent role in explaining
behavior. |