Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy in Primary and Secondary Students
A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22047656 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Annette Hessen Bjerke (0000-0002-2138-2891, Metropolitan University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 182 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-23 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Education Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2227-7102 • E-ISSN: 2227-7102 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/educsci16020182 |
| OpenAlex | W7125541673 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 45 |
Efficacy beliefs influence individuals’ thinking and academic outcomes. Indeed, a growing body of literature has identified self-efficacy (SE) as a predictor of a range of favourable outcomes and a buffer against the likelihood of less desirable ones. The evidence linking high levels of SE to positive outcomes has spurred interest in understanding how such beliefs are developed and sustained, particularly via the theorised sources of efficacy information: mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion and physiological state. However, while most research on the sources of mathematics SE is quantitative, no prior review has systematically examined the qualitative literature. This review analyses eight qualitative or mixed-methods studies on these sources in primary and secondary students. It demonstrates that qualitative data illuminate how SE-relevant information is individually interpreted and how even a single encouraging comment can have a lasting influence. The source-specific findings indicate that the development of mathematics SE is less about isolated experiences and more about how those experiences are socially mediated, interpreted, and emotionally supported—most notably through teachers’ practices and relational environments. In addition, five broader cross-source insights are discussed following a critical examination of how future research can build on the strengths of existing qualitative studies
Educational research · Multimethodology · Persuasion · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Semi-structured interview · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation · Mathematics Education and Teaching Techniques
Self-Efficacy Beliefs and General Mental Ability in Mathematical Problem-Solving
The effects of parental involvement on students’ academic self‐efficacy, engagement and intrinsic motivation
The relation between goal orientation and students' motivational beliefs and self-regulated learning
Sources of Self-Efficacy in School
Self-Efficacy, Satisfaction, and Academic Achievement
Sources of self-efficacy in mathematics
Mathematics self-efficacy
Dimensions of teacher self-efficacy and relations with strain factors, perceived collective teacher efficacy, and teacher burnout.
Self-Efficacy
Sources of mathematics and science self-efficacy in primary and secondary education
Developing self-efficacy through an extra preparatory school year
An investigation of eighth grade students’ mathematical communication competency and affective characteristics
Albert Bandura
Reliability and Predictive Validity of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Mslq)
Self-efficacy
Frames of Reference for Self-Evaluation of Ability in Mathematics
Albert Bandura (1925–2021)
Sources of Middle School Students’ Self-Efficacy in Mathematics
| Highly cited | No |
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