The effects of self-efficacy on various aspects of physical health as well as the basic mechanisms through which self-efficacy may exert its effects on physical health are presented in this article. Theoretical bases of self-efficacy and the measurement of generalized and specific self-efficacies are described. Furthermore, the most important empirical results on the effects of self-efficacy on different aspects of physical health are presented. From the mechanisms through which self-efficacy exercises its effects on physical health, we described its effects on cardiovascular and immunological functioning, stress experience, coping with stress and health behaviors. Although higher self-efficacy usually has positive effects on physical health, we presented research showing that higher self-efficacy through its effects on cardiovascular functioning and health behaviors may exert potentially negative effects on physical health. We also presented some most important directions for future research on the relationship between self-efficacy and physical health.

self-efficacy, physical health, health behavior, coping with stress