What does self-efficacy refer to?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. This concept, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes that self-efficacy influences how people think, feel, motivate themselves, and behave. A sense of competence for specific tasks encapsulates this idea, as it reflects one's confidence in their ability to organize and execute the required actions to achieve desired outcomes effectively.

Individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals and maintain a strong commitment to them, as they feel capable of overcoming obstacles. They are also more resilient in the face of difficulties, viewing failures as opportunities for learning rather than as determinants of self-worth. Understanding self-efficacy is crucial in educational settings since it affects students' engagement, motivation, and ultimately their success in learning environments.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of self-efficacy. While a sense of power over others, belief in group success, and a sense of inferiority in performance may reflect different psychological perspectives or social dynamics, they do not align with the definition and implications of self-efficacy.