What is self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy refers specifically to an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It plays a crucial role in how one approaches goals, tasks, and challenges. When a person has high self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenges and persist in the face of difficulties because they believe in their ability to succeed. This concept, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, underscores the importance of confidence in achieving personal and professional success.

The other options focus on different psychological constructs. For instance, assessing intelligence measures cognitive abilities rather than belief in personal capabilities. Emotional stability pertains to how well a person can manage their emotions, which is distinct from self-efficacy. Similarly, while leadership traits can include elements of self-efficacy, not all leaders necessarily possess it, nor is self-efficacy limited to leadership contexts. Thus, the definition of self-efficacy is accurately captured by the idea of a belief in one’s capabilities to execute tasks.