Itseefikasia

Itseefikasia is a Finnish term that translates loosely to "self-efficacy" or "self-belief." It refers to an individual's conviction in their own ability to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations. This concept is closely related to the psychological construct of self-efficacy, as theorized by Albert Bandura. High itseefikasia means believing one can successfully perform a specific task or overcome a challenge.

The belief in one's capabilities influences how people think, feel, and behave. It is not about possessing the skills, but rather the confidence in one's ability to use those skills effectively. Itseefikasia affects goal setting, effort expenditure, persistence in the face of obstacles, and emotional reactions to demanding situations. For instance, someone with high itseefikasia is more likely to set challenging goals and persist when encountering difficulties, whereas someone with low itseefikasia might avoid challenges or give up easily.

This concept can be developed through various experiences, including mastery experiences (successful completion of tasks), vicarious experiences (observing others succeed), social persuasion (encouragement from others), and physiological and emotional states (interpreting one's own physical and emotional reactions). Itseefikasia is situation-specific, meaning a person might have high itseefikasia in one area of their life but low itseefikasia in another. Understanding and fostering itseefikasia is considered important for personal growth, achievement, and well-being.