Self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, dental health value, and dental plaque

Objective: This study measured the independent contributions of self-effica cy, outcome expectations, and dental health value in predicting an objectiv e measure of preventive oral hygiene behavior, dental plaque, Methods: One hundred forty-eight subjects completed study measures and then had their de ntal plaque levels measured, Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that self-efficacy for flossing significantly predicted plaque levels but self-efficacy for brushing, outcome expectations, and dental value did not. Conclusion: Results supported Bandura's belief that self-efficacy for spec ific behavior can predict outcomes of that behavior, and outcome expectatio ns and value beliefs do not play an independent role in explaining behavior .