Self-efficacy is morally neutral and can amplify harm as well as good

Evidence

Resilient belief in one’s causative capabilities is a highly adaptive resource in self-development, adaptation, and change. Agentic capability, however, does not come with a built-in value system. It can be used for humane or inhumane purposes. Wrongdoers with an unshakable sense of efficacy can do a lot of harm. For example, an exaggerated collective belief in the power of military might got the United States entangled in what the upper echelon considered to be morally justified wars that became disastrous (Halberstam, 1972; Purdam, 2003). — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 79 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Efficacy is value-neutral and amplifies both good and harm — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 79; High self-efficacy amplifies harm when wielded by wrongdoers — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 79; Moral disengagement level and self-efficacy jointly determine whether bystanders tolerate or resist abuse — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 283 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Efficacy is value-neutral and amplifies both good and harm #corroborates (0.97) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 79