Self-belief and Personal Responsibility A person’s beliefs about him/herself will have an effect on their health behaviours.

According to social learning theory, if a person has low self esteem, then they are more likely to be persuaded or influenced by others to take part in harmful behaviours such as smoking, drinking and drug use. People with high self-esteem feel more able to resist these pressures and have the self-efficacy to follow what they themselves think is right.

Self-esteem: how a person values him/herself. Self-efficacy: a person’s belief in their own ability to organize and carry out actions.