Self-efficacy is a psychological concept introduced by Albert Bandura. It refers to a person’s belief in their ability to successfully perform a certain task or achieve a certain goal. Essentially, it is about confidence in one’s own ability to cope with different situations and challenges.

Key components of self-efficacy

Coping experience
Previous successes contribute significantly to self-efficacy. Successfully overcoming challenges and achieving goals strengthens confidence in one’s own abilities.

Imitation experience
Observing the success of others can increase self-efficacy. When you see someone similar to you succeed, it strengthens your belief that you can achieve similar success.

Verbal persuasion
Encouragement and positive feedback from others, e.g. mentors, friends or colleagues, can influence self-efficacy. Conversely, negative feedback can undermine trust.

Physiological and emotional states
Physical and emotional states, such as stress or anxiety, can influence self-efficacy. Coping with stress and controlling emotional reactions contribute to a greater sense of self-efficacy.

Implications of self-efficacy

Motivation and objectives
People with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals and show greater perseverance in the face of obstacles.
The belief in one’s own ability to achieve a goal influences the degree of effort and commitment in the pursuit of this goal.

Performance and target achievement
High self-efficacy is associated with better task performance and a higher probability of achieving the desired results.
People with a strong sense of self-efficacy see challenging tasks as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a threat.

Overcoming adversity
Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in resilience and the ability to deal with adversity. People with high self-efficacy are more likely to see challenges as surmountable and remain steadfast even in the face of setbacks.

Mental health
Low self-efficacy is associated with increased susceptibility to stress, anxiety and depression.
Developing a sense of self-efficacy through achievements and positive experiences can contribute to better mental wellbeing.

Education and professional development
In education and in the workplace, promoting self-efficacy can improve learning and performance.
Providing constructive feedback, creating opportunities for mastery experiences and fostering a supportive environment can have a positive impact on self-efficacy.

In summary, self-efficacy is an important concept in psychology that affects various aspects of human behavior, motivation and well-being. It emphasizes how important it is to foster confidence in one’s own abilities in order to master life’s challenges and pursue meaningful goals.