The chapter discusses the role of Social Cognitive Theory in preventing HIV infection, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy in personal control over behavior. Albert Bandura highlights that societal efforts to control the spread of AIDS have primarily focused on educating the public about HIV transmission and prevention. However, mere awareness is insufficient for behavior change; individuals need the skills, resources, and social supports to act on this knowledge. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to control one's motivation, thought processes, emotional states, and behaviors, is crucial for effective self-regulation. Studies show that perceived self-efficacy influences every phase of personal change, from considering behavior change to maintaining it. Low self-efficacy can lead to ineffective stress management and impaired immune function. Translating health knowledge into action against HIV requires social and self-regulative skills, as well as a sense of personal power to control sexual and drug activities. The challenge lies in equipping individuals with the skills and beliefs to consistently practice safer sex in the face of interpersonal pressures and counteracting influences. Women, in particular, face significant challenges in negotiating safer sex due to social pressures and personal experiences.The chapter discusses the role of Social Cognitive Theory in preventing HIV infection, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy in personal control over behavior. Albert Bandura highlights that societal efforts to control the spread of AIDS have primarily focused on educating the public about HIV transmission and prevention. However, mere awareness is insufficient for behavior change; individuals need the skills, resources, and social supports to act on this knowledge. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to control one's motivation, thought processes, emotional states, and behaviors, is crucial for effective self-regulation. Studies show that perceived self-efficacy influences every phase of personal change, from considering behavior change to maintaining it. Low self-efficacy can lead to ineffective stress management and impaired immune function. Translating health knowledge into action against HIV requires social and self-regulative skills, as well as a sense of personal power to control sexual and drug activities. The challenge lies in equipping individuals with the skills and beliefs to consistently practice safer sex in the face of interpersonal pressures and counteracting influences. Women, in particular, face significant challenges in negotiating safer sex due to social pressures and personal experiences.