What is self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully perform tasks or achieve goals. This concept, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes that a person's confidence in their capabilities can significantly influence their motivation, behavior, and overall mental health. When individuals possess high self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenges, persist in the face of difficulties, and recover from setbacks more effectively.

This belief is crucial because it impacts decision-making and risk-taking. For instance, someone with strong self-efficacy is likely to approach a challenging work project with enthusiasm, while someone with low self-efficacy may avoid it due to doubt in their abilities. Thus, self-efficacy plays a critical role in determining how people approach goals, tasks, and challenges, significantly shaping their outcomes and overall success.

The other options describe different psychological concepts that do not capture the essence of self-efficacy. The perception of oneself based on external feedback focuses more on self-esteem or self-image. A personal bias in evaluating others relates to cognitive biases and judgment rather than one's self-belief about abilities. The ability to question one's beliefs pertains to critical thinking and introspection, which does not specifically relate to the confidence in one's capacities