självefficacy

Självefficacy, often translated as self-efficacy, is a term coined by psychologist Albert Bandura. It refers to an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. In simpler terms, it's a person's confidence in their ability to succeed in a particular situation or task.

Self-efficacy is not about the actual skills one possesses, but rather the belief in one's ability to use those skills effectively. This belief influences how people think, feel, motivate themselves, and behave. High self-efficacy leads individuals to approach challenging tasks with more confidence and persistence, viewing them as tasks to be mastered rather than threats to be avoided. Conversely, low self-efficacy can result in individuals doubting their ability to perform tasks, leading to anxiety and avoidance.

Bandura identified four primary sources from which self-efficacy beliefs are developed. These include mastery experiences, where successful completion of tasks strengthens beliefs; vicarious experiences, observing others succeed can bolster one's own sense of efficacy; social persuasion, encouragement from others; and physiological and emotional states, such as stress or fatigue, which can influence perceptions of capability. Self-efficacy is a key component of Bandura's social cognitive theory and plays a significant role in various aspects of life, including academic achievement, career choices, and health behaviors.