Introduction
Outcome expectancies are an individual’s beliefs about the consequences of their behavior. These beliefs are important factors in predicting an individual’s behavior and have been shown to influence a variety of psychological, social, and health-related outcomes (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Outcome expectancies can be influenced by a number of factors, including past experiences, environmental cues, and cognitively-based beliefs (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). This article will discuss the concept of outcome expectancies, the factors that can influence them, and the implications of outcome expectancies on behavior and psychological wellbeing.
Definition
Outcome expectancies are defined as beliefs about the likely consequences of one’s own behavior (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). The strength of these beliefs can vary from person to person, as beliefs are influenced by an individual’s past experiences and external cues. Outcome expectancies can be either positive or negative, and can be categorized as either task-focused or self-focused (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Task-focused outcome expectancies are beliefs about the expected outcome of a particular task or behavior, while self-focused outcome expectancies are beliefs about the expected outcome of the individual’s behavior (Robinson & Alloy, 2003).
Factors that Influence Outcome Expectancies
Outcome expectancies can be influenced by a variety of factors, including past experiences, environmental cues, and cognitively-based beliefs (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Past experiences are particularly important in influencing outcome expectancies, as individuals are likely to form beliefs about the likely outcome of their behavior based on their past experiences (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Environmental cues, such as the presence of other people, can also influence outcome expectancies, as individuals may form beliefs about the expected outcome of their behavior based on the reactions of those around them (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Finally, cognitively-based beliefs can influence outcome expectancies, as individuals may form beliefs about the expected outcome of their behavior based on their own internal beliefs and values (Robinson & Alloy, 2003).
Implications of Outcome Expectancy
Outcome expectancies can have a significant impact on an individual’s behavior and psychological wellbeing. For example, research has shown that individuals with positive outcome expectancies are more likely to engage in behaviors that lead to positive outcomes, such as increased physical activity and healthier eating (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). On the other hand, individuals with negative outcome expectancies are more likely to engage in behaviors that lead to negative outcomes, such as avoidance of physical activity and unhealthy eating (Robinson & Alloy, 2003). Additionally, research has shown that outcome expectancies can influence psychological wellbeing, as individuals with positive outcome expectancies are more likely to experience increased levels of self-efficacy and positive affect, while individuals with negative outcome expectancies are more likely to experience decreased levels of self-efficacy and negative affect (Robinson & Alloy, 2003).
Conclusion
Outcome expectancies are an important factor in predicting an individual’s behavior and have been shown to influence a variety of psychological, social, and health-related outcomes. Outcome expectancies can be influenced by a number of factors, including past experiences, environmental cues, and cognitively-based beliefs. Additionally, outcome expectancies can have a significant impact on an individual’s behavior and psychological wellbeing.
References
Robinson, L. R., & Alloy, L. B. (2003). The cognitive diathesis–stress theory of depression: An update and elaboration. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(5), 741–765. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7358(03)00068-5