Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is the belief that one can successfully execute the behavior required to produce the desired outcome. It is a critical determinant of whether an individual will take action in a given situation.

Self-efficacy beliefs are specific to particular situations and tasks. For example, an individual may have high self-efficacy for completing a work task, but low self-efficacy for social interactions. Individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to take on challenging tasks and persevere in the face of setbacks, whereas those with low self-efficacy are more likely to give up or avoid difficult challenges.

There are three main sources of self-efficacy information:

1) Performance accomplishments: This is perhaps the most important source of information about one’s self-efficacy. Seeing oneself succeed at a task provides strong evidence that one can perform that task successfully in the future.

2) Vicarious experiences: Watching others succeed or fail at a task can also influence one’s own self-efficacy beliefs. If we see someone like us succeed at a task, we believe that we can also succeed (this is called social modelling). Conversely, if we see someone like us fail at a task, it can decrease our own self-efficacy for that task.

3) Verbal persuasion: This occurs when others tell us that we can or cannot do something. For example, parents or teachers may tell us what is allowed and not allowed.