Expectancy Value Theory: Self-Efficacy

  When reflecting on Daisy’s self-efficacy, there is clear evidence of a shift in her actions and motivation once she begins working with music producer Teddy Price. In general, Daisy already shows high self-efficacy, seen in the way her motivation to become a great artist only grows stronger over time. Through her partnership with Teddy, her worth as an artist becomes more defined, and her vision for her goals becomes clearer.

This turning point begins when Teddy healthily challenges Daisy to develop a more definite idea of what her career could truly look like if she gave her artistry a real chance. Before meeting him, Daisy always had the motivation and desire to make music, but she struggled to find a genuine effort from people who wanted to help her grow. Once they begin working together, Daisy starts to feel a renewed sense of confidence in herself. She begins writing lyrics and recording songs to show Teddy, demonstrating a growth mindset; she recognizes that she can only get better as an artist. Her determination to not let such an opportunity go to waste shows that she has started to believe deeply in her capability and potential.

One scene that clearly demonstrates this growth is when Daisy shows Teddy one of her songs. He tells her that he likes it very much, but adds that “this is now the worst song on the album.” Instead of taking offense, Daisy smiles — understanding that this means her artistry has improved so much that even her earlier best work has been outgrown. This moment shows how she begins to embrace feedback as part of her learning, which is central to self-efficacy and a growth mindset.

Another key moment occurs when Teddy asks Daisy what she wants from him. At first, she responds with uncertainty, saying, “I don’t know.” Then she corrects herself and vulnerably expresses that she truly wants to create great records. This shows a deep turning point in her self-efficacy, as she begins to believe that she is capable and deserving of her dreams. During this period of her career, Daisy flocks to the challenge and stays persistent in her efforts to make the most of her opportunity, her confidence even becomes contagious to those around her.

Additional sources that are also noteworthy is the the emotional and cognitive hope that develops as Daisy begins to recognize her agency in the actions she is able to take towards her goals and the pathways the grow when she understands more clearly the steps that before making her dreams come true.