Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.3.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Self-Regulation and Self-Efficacy Skills

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_359
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Beate Evelīna Dišlere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

Provide knowledge of the concepts of self-efficacy and self-regulation. Provide a practical opportunity to develop these skills and promote psychological well-being by analysing the link between behaviour and concepts of self-regulation and self-efficacy. Develop competences in the application of these concepts, both in personal life and in future professional activities.

Preliminary Knowledge

High school-level knowledge in social sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students define notions of self-efficiency and self-regulation.

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics

2.Describe factors affecting psychological well-being.

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics

3.Describe the role of self-regulation and self-efficacy in the functioning and psychological wellbeing of the individual.

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics

Skills

1.Analyses the relationship between an individual’s beliefs, behaviours and achievements.

Individual work and tests

Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

2.Critically analyse your behaviour and psychological wellbeing.

Individual work and tests

Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

3.Analyse individual objectives and self-regulation and self-efficiency development techniques.

Individual work and tests

Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

Competences

1.Students discuss the relationship between human behavior, self-regulation and psychological goodness.

Individual work and tests

Plan to improve psychological wellbeing • Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

2.Define the individual objective and draw up a plan to achieve it.

Individual work and tests

Plan to improve psychological wellbeing • Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

3.Healthy practices are applied to improve psychological wellbeing and achievement.

Individual work and tests

Plan to improve psychological wellbeing • Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics
15.00% from total grade
10 points

Students complete self-examination tests and tasks on lecture topics.
2.

Practical class attendance and discussion on topics of practical classes
15.00% from total grade
Test

Students learn literature and prepare for a discussion on the topic of the practical classes.

In accordance with Paragraph 3.9 of RSU academic Regulations I, attendance of classes is mandatory and registered.
3.

Feedback on the study course
-
-

At the end of the study course, students shall complete the study course assessment questionnaire.
4.

Psychology days 2025 attendance - Interdisciplinary International Scientific Conference “Psychology for Health”
10.00% from total grade
Test

Objective:

To enhance students' understanding of the role of psychology in healthcare and to develop skills in analyzing and reflecting on their own self-regulation strategies, emotional intelligence, and communication abilities, based on real-world interdisciplinary experience.

Task Content:

Students are required to attend at least one session (or more, optionally) at the conference “Psychology for Health”, which is part of Psychology Days 2025. After attending, students must complete an individual assignment – a reflective paper/essay (length: 600–800 words), which should include the following components:

1. Brief Description of the Conference Session or Panel Discussion:

    • Topic, speakers, key ideas.
    • Which aspects seemed especially relevant from the perspective of a medical or dental student?

2. Personal Reflection:

    • How does the content of the session relate to your current understanding of health and the role of psychology in medical practice?
    • Did the presentation help you better understand any of your own challenges or strengths related to self-efficacy or self-regulation?

3. Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation Aspects:

    • Were you able to recognize any strategies or theories discussed in the course?
    • Which self-regulation skills were emphasized (e.g., stress management, attention control, emotional intelligence)?
    • How can this experience help you improve your professional competencies?

4. Future Application:

    • How will this experience influence your future learning or professional development?
    • Are you interested in further exploring psychological aspects in medicine or collaborating with other healthcare professionals?

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Clarity and completeness in summarizing the key points of the attended sessions – 3 points;
  • Depth of understanding, critical thinking, and ability to connect session insights with self-efficacy/self-regulation aspects – 3 points;
  • Quality and structure of written work (language, formating) – 2 points;
  • Written work submitted within the specified deadline – 2 points.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Plan to improve psychological wellbeing
60.00% from total grade
10 points

Student individually develops a plan to improve psychological well-being and presents it in the final lesson. Evaluation criteria for the individual plan independently developed: 1. An assessment of the areas of individual life, a formulation of the problem area and the problem of one’s behaviour, a description of it, examining how it affects the psychological well-being of the individual – 1 point; 2. A clearly defined objective has been set to address the problem area - 1 point; 3. Describes steps toward the goal - 1 point; 4. Formulated result to be achieved – 1 point; 5. Optionally, one of the methods of self-regulation is described and self-reflection is given on the use of this technique – 2 points; 6. 2-4 sources of literature are used and appropriate references indicated in the text - 2 points; 7. The individual plan has been presented in the seminar – 2 points.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to the study course. Problem identification.
Description

The lecture outlines the content and requirements of the course. The concept of values is discussed, allowing students to identify their value system and assess different areas of life. During the practical class, students discuss the importance of values in well-being and identify problem areas.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to the study course. Problem identification.
Description

The lecture outlines the content and requirements of the course. The concept of values is discussed, allowing students to identify their value system and assess different areas of life. During the practical class, students discuss the importance of values in well-being and identify problem areas.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Transtheoretical model of behaviour change. Making a decision.
Description

The lecture discusses the transtheoretical model of behavioral change and all its stages. This model is used during the course to change a specific behavior. The ways in which the decision-making process occurs are also explored.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Social problem solving. SMART. Formulation of goal.
Description

The lecture addresses the essence and importance of goal formulation, discussing goal setting using the SMART method. During the class, students independently develop their own SMART goal.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The concept of Self-efficacy. The development of Self-efficacy and possible ways to facilitate Self-efficacy.
Description

The lecture describes the concept of self-efficacy and distinguishes it from other related concepts. The role of self-efficacy in self-regulation is explained, along with steps to enhance self-efficacy. During the practical class, students perform an individual self-efficacy evaluation and complete a case analysis task.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The concept of Self-efficacy. The development of Self-efficacy and possible ways to facilitate Self-efficacy.
Description

The lecture describes the concept of self-efficacy and distinguishes it from other related concepts. The role of self-efficacy in self-regulation is explained, along with steps to enhance self-efficacy. During the practical class, students perform an individual self-efficacy evaluation and complete a case analysis task.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Self-regulation strategies and coping. Self-monitoring and self-awareness.
Description

The lecture discusses self-regulation theory and self-regulation strategies. It explores ways to improve self-regulation skills.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Stress and stress management.
Description

The lecture describes stress theory and stress factors. The process of stress and stress reactions is explained. The lecture provides an understanding of the sources of stress and helps identify stress reactions. The differences between positive stress and toxic stress are explained. Emotion-focused and problem-focused stress coping strategies are also described

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Emotions and regulation of emotions.
Description

The lecture explains emotion theory. It describes basic and complex emotions, the functions of emotions, primary and secondary emotions, and the physiological model of emotions. The importance of emotional awareness and emotion regulation is also explained.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Motivation and its role in self-regulation.
Description

The lecture explains key definitions of motivation, describes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and provides a broader explanation of human needs. An overview of self-determination theory is given, and the importance of motivation in achieving goals is explained.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Seminar: my Self-regulation and Self-efficacy skills
Description

In the seminar class, students present the final (examination) task of the study course.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Seminar: my Self-regulation and Self-efficacy skills
Description

In the seminar class, students present the final (examination) task of the study course.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to the study course. Problem identification.
Description

The lecture outlines the content and requirements of the course. The concept of values is discussed, allowing students to identify their value system and assess different areas of life. During the practical class, students discuss the importance of values in well-being and identify problem areas.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to the study course. Problem identification.
Description

The lecture outlines the content and requirements of the course. The concept of values is discussed, allowing students to identify their value system and assess different areas of life. During the practical class, students discuss the importance of values in well-being and identify problem areas.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Transtheoretical model of behaviour change. Making a decision.
Description

The lecture discusses the transtheoretical model of behavioral change and all its stages. This model is used during the course to change a specific behavior. The ways in which the decision-making process occurs are also explored.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Social problem solving. SMART. Formulation of goal.
Description

The lecture addresses the essence and importance of goal formulation, discussing goal setting using the SMART method. During the class, students independently develop their own SMART goal.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The concept of Self-efficacy. The development of Self-efficacy and possible ways to facilitate Self-efficacy.
Description

The lecture describes the concept of self-efficacy and distinguishes it from other related concepts. The role of self-efficacy in self-regulation is explained, along with steps to enhance self-efficacy. During the practical class, students perform an individual self-efficacy evaluation and complete a case analysis task.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The concept of Self-efficacy. The development of Self-efficacy and possible ways to facilitate Self-efficacy.
Description

The lecture describes the concept of self-efficacy and distinguishes it from other related concepts. The role of self-efficacy in self-regulation is explained, along with steps to enhance self-efficacy. During the practical class, students perform an individual self-efficacy evaluation and complete a case analysis task.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Stress and stress management.
Description

The lecture describes stress theory and stress factors. The process of stress and stress reactions is explained. The lecture provides an understanding of the sources of stress and helps identify stress reactions. The differences between positive stress and toxic stress are explained. Emotion-focused and problem-focused stress coping strategies are also described

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Self-regulation strategies and coping. Self-monitoring and self-awareness.
Description

The lecture discusses self-regulation theory and self-regulation strategies. It explores ways to improve self-regulation skills.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Emotions and regulation of emotions.
Description

The lecture explains emotion theory. It describes basic and complex emotions, the functions of emotions, primary and secondary emotions, and the physiological model of emotions. The importance of emotional awareness and emotion regulation is also explained.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Motivation and its role in self-regulation.
Description

The lecture explains key definitions of motivation, describes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and provides a broader explanation of human needs. An overview of self-determination theory is given, and the importance of motivation in achieving goals is explained.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Seminar: my Self-regulation and Self-efficacy skills
Description

In the seminar class, students present the final (examination) task of the study course.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Seminar: my Self-regulation and Self-efficacy skills
Description

In the seminar class, students present the final (examination) task of the study course.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Diener, E., Oishi, S., & Tay, L. 2018. Advances in subjective well-being research. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(4), 253-260.Suitable for English stream

2.

Flaten, M., Absi, M. 2016. The neuroscience of pain, stress, and emotion: psychological and clinical implications. Academik press.Suitable for English stream

3.

Kathleen D. Vohs, Roy F. Baumeister. 2018. Handbook of Self-Regulation. 3rd Edition : Research, Theory, and Applications. Vol Third edition. The Guilford PressSuitable for English stream

4.

McCarty, R. 2023. Stress, Health, and Behavior / Richard McCarty.Suitable for English stream

5.

Thompson, E. 2020. Coping with Stress / Elissa Thompson and Linda Bickerstaff.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Bandura, A. 1994. Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudran (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71-81). New York: Academic Press. (Reprinted in H. Friedman [Ed.], Encyclopedia of mental health. San Diego: Academic Press, 1998).Suitable for English stream

2.

Moksnes, U. K., Eilertsen, M. B., Ringdal, R., Bjørnsen, H. N., & Rannestad, T. 2019. Life satisfaction in association with self‐efficacy and stressor experience in adolescents – self‐efficacy as a potential moderator. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 33(1), 222–230.Suitable for English stream

3.

Mārtinsone, K. Sudraba, V. (red.). 2019. Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīva. Rīga: RSU izdevniecība.

4.

Ngamaba, K., Panagioti, H., & Armitage, M. 2018. Income inequality and subjective well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality of Life Research, 27(3), 577-596.Suitable for English stream

5.

Sears, R. W. 2015. Building competence in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: transcripts and insights for working with stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems. New York: Routledge.Suitable for English stream

6.

Schwarzer, R., Renner, B. 2011. Health-specific self-efficacy scales.Suitable for English stream

7.

White, R.C. 2018. The stress management workbook : de-stress in 10 minutes or less. Emeryville, CA : Althea PressSuitable for English stream

8.

Zeidner, M., Pintrich, P. R., & Boekaerts, M. 2005. Handbook of Self-regulation. Burlington, MA: Academic Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

Scientific articles form PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ebsco data bases.Suitable for English stream

2.

RSU Psiholoģijas dienas 2024. Forest Therapy: A Pathway to Protect Forests and Promote Human HealthSuitable for English stream

3.

RSU Scientific Conference 2019 Improvement of emotion regulation: a focus of the psychological care.Suitable for English stream