Review article
Concept analysis of ‘self-confidence’: the applicability of self-confidence to mid-career midwives
2018 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 85-100
Details
2018 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 85-100
Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the concept of self-confidence in order to discuss the structure of mid-career midwives' self-confidence and the possible direction of future research.
Methods
Walker and Avant's (2008) approach to concept analysis was used to review the literature on self-confidence, self-efficacy and self-esteem. The analysis focused on midwifery, nursing, education and psychology. In addition, the following areas were explored 1) the application of the concept of self-confidence; 2) related concepts; 3) attributes; 4) operational definition; 5) model cases, borderline cases, and contrary cases; and 6) antecedents, consequences, and related factors. In addition, the structure of mid-career midwives' self-confidence as defined by this concept analysis was used to discuss the direction of future research.
Results
The operational definition of the comprehensive concept of self-confidence is confidence about one's specific behavior, competence, and value. The concept of self-confidence includes uncertainty due to change in conditions and context. The attributes of the concept are confidence about one's behavior, confidence in one's own value, and uncertainty. The antecedent of the concept is the feeling of anxiety in a situation in which one has perceived the expectations of others regarding one's ability to achieve a goal. The consequences of the concept are perceiving positive change in thoughts and development and being able to test one's ability to solve problems and improve. The factors affecting the concept are interpretation of experience, mastery due to experience, knowledge and skill, ability to self-evaluate, appropriateness of one's own expectations and the expectations of others, evaluation by others, support from others, and environment around the individual (including the workplace).
Conclusion
The concept of self-confidence suggests the structure of mid-career midwives' self-confidence. In addition, it can contribute to the development of a scale for evaluating mid-career midwives' self-confidence, and help clarify the problems faced by mid-career midwives by revealing the factors affecting mid-career midwives' self-confidence. However, it remains necessary to identify the appropriate level of self-confidence that mid-career midwives who say ‘I don't have self-confidence’ must have.
