A comparison of general self-efficacy and drinking refusal self-efficacy in predicting drinking behavior

A number of studies have suggested that task specific self-efficacy has more influence over behavior than general self-efficacy. However, little research has compared the impact of task-specific self-efficacy beliefs to the impact of general self-efficacy in predicting alcohol consumption. This study aimed to compare the contribution of general self-efficacy and drinking refusal self-efficacy (a form of task-specific self-efficacy) to volume and frequency of alcohol consumption. Regression analyses were performed in samples of community (n = 298) and clinical (n = 296) drinkers. Overall, drinking refusal self-efficacy was found to be a significant predictor of alcohol consumption in the community sample, while general self-efficacy was found to be a significant predictor of drinking in the clinical sample. These differences highlight the differential roles of general and task specific self-efficacy in governing drinking behavior and suggest future directions for prevention and treatment of alcohol problems.