Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s confidence in their ability to manage tasks and reach specific objectives. First outlined by psychologist Albert Bandura, this concept plays a significant role in motivation, learning processes, and resilience. Individuals with strong self-efficacy are generally more persistent and self-assured when facing challenges, whereas those with lower self-efficacy may experience hesitation, avoidance, or self-doubt.
In psychology, strategies to enhance self-efficacy are central to both cognitive-behavioral therapy and educational practices. For example, a student who possesses high self-efficacy approaches a difficult subject with the belief that steady effort and practice will eventually lead to mastery.