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What is self-efficacy?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

Self-efficacy is your belief in your own ability to succeed at a specific task or goal. Coined by psychologist Albert Bandura, it shapes how much effort you put in and how you handle setbacks — strong self-efficacy fuels persistence and achievement.

Key things to understand

  1. It's belief in your ability to succeed at a task.
  2. It's task-specific, not general self-esteem.
  3. It influences effort, persistence, and resilience.
  4. It grows through small wins and practice.

People also ask

What is self-efficacy?
Your belief in your ability to accomplish a specific task or reach a particular goal.
How is self-efficacy different from self-esteem?
Self-efficacy is task-specific confidence; self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth.
How can you build self-efficacy?
Through small successes, practice, seeing others succeed, and encouragement.