A comparison of general self-efficacy with self-esteem.

General self-efficacy (GSE) is defined as the global confidence a person has to successfully perform tasks. GSE is theorized to be linked to task-specific self-efficacy (TSSE). The GSE concept is controversial because some researchers claim that it is the same as self-esteem. In this study, 165 undergraduates were administered five GSE scales, a self-esteem scale, a locus of control scale, a TSSE scale, a sample-performance test, and a performance test. Results of multiple-regression analyses indicated that the GSE scales are measuring self-esteem and are poor predictors of performance.