This technique will only work if the person believes the persuader. If the success expectations are not positively reinforced by direct experience, future efficacy will not be raised. For these reasons, it is not a very strong source. Emotional arousal influences efficacy in threatening situations. Strong emotions usually lower performance when people judge their abilities using their emotional arousal as a basis.
People expect failure when they are experiencing intense fear or acute anxiety.
A reduction in anxiety or increase in relaxation will raise efficacy. Bandura's major contribution has been his evidence of the prominent role of observational learning in human development. Modeling can be used as an effective form of psychotherapy, especially in children. His self-efficacy theory also presented a new concept for therapeutic change. He has been praised for his research techniques, especially the fact that he used human rather than animal subjects.