Challenged or threatened? The dynamics between emotions, self-efficacy, and locus of control in unfamiliar situations

Abstract

In the technological age, comfort with the unknown and uncomfortable is essential for continued growth and success. This dissertation examines the dynamic interplay between emotions, selfefficacy, and locus of control in the context of unfamiliar and challenging situations. By evaluating participants' emotional journeys and their self-reported levels of generalized SelfEfficacy and Locus of Control, the study aims to understand how these psychological constructs influence reactions to discomfort and challenge. The research involves a controlled experiment where participants are assigned tasks perceived as challenging, under pressure (vs. no pressure), with half of the tasks being performed under time pressure and the other half without any time pressure, to measure emotional responses and changes in Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control. The findings reveal significant relationships between experiencing positive emotions and SelfEfficacy and experiencing a situation as emotionally challenging vs. threatening and SelfEfficacy. The study contributes to psychological literature by highlighting how emotional regulation and perception of control can impact performance and stress management in uncertain scenarios, providing insights for enhancing individual resilience and adaptability in personal and professional settings.

Date of Award	17 Jun 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Cláudia Simão (Supervisor)