Module 8: Perceived Behavioural Control, Self-Efficacy and Behavioural Barriers

This module examines the role of perceived behavioural control, self-efficacy, personal agency and environmental barriers in determining whether individuals are able to perform a desired behaviour. Participants learn that positive attitudes and supportive social norms may still fail to produce behaviour if individuals believe they lack the necessary skills, opportunities, resources, authority or confidence to act. The module introduces perceived behavioural control as the belief that one is capable of performing a particular behaviour and has sufficient control over its performance. Participants examine internal factors such as competence, motivation and self-confidence, as well as external factors such as organisational systems, resources, workload, regulations and access to opportunities. The distinction between locus of control, self-efficacy, autonomy and perceived control is also explored. Through practical assessment activities, participants identify barriers and facilitators that may influence behavioural performance and learn to distinguish between an attitude problem and a capability or environmental problem. The module equips practitioners to recommend interventions such as skills training, resource improvement, process redesign, supervisory support or removal of barriers when these actions are more appropriate than attempting to change attitudes.