Self-efficacy, a core aspect of Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, is the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific tasks. It influences motivation, choice, effort, and persistence, and is shaped by personal accomplishments, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and emotional states. High self-efficacy can lead to greater innovation and effectiveness in educational, health, and business contexts.
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Self-efficacy is an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments
Unlike self-esteem, self-efficacy is typically focused on one's ability to succeed in particular tasks
Self-efficacy is different from self-esteem, as it is focused on one's ability to succeed in specific tasks rather than a general sense of self-worth
Mastery experiences, based on personal accomplishments and failures, are the most influential source of self-efficacy beliefs
Observing others performing a task can strengthen or weaken one's belief in their own abilities
Encouragement or discouragement from others can impact self-efficacy beliefs
Self-efficacy is a key determinant of motivation, affecting the choices individuals make, the effort they put forth, and their persistence and resilience in the face of challenges
Self-efficacy beliefs can predict the likelihood of accomplishing a task, as they determine the amount of effort and persistence one will exhibit when faced with obstacles
In the workplace, self-efficacy has been linked to employees' motivation, performance, and job satisfaction
Students with high self-efficacy are more likely to engage deeply with learning materials and persist through academic challenges
Individuals with strong self-efficacy are more likely to maintain exercise routines and adhere to medical advice
Entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy are more inclined to take calculated risks and persist in the face of setbacks