self-efficacy

[self-ef-i-kuh-see]

noun

1. Psychology, Psychiatry.,  a person's belief in their own ability to succeed at a particular task or goal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-efficacy¹

First recorded in 1645–55, for an earlier sense; coined in 1977 by Canadian-American psychologist Albert Bandura (1925–2021), for the current sense

Example Sentences

Stewart’s career and life have been anything but easy, but her story is ultimately a masterclass in grit, perseverance and self-efficacy.

From Salon

"When an adult steps in and completes a task for a young child, it can deprive the child of an opportunity to learn how to complete the task by themselves, which potentially harms their ability to develop self-efficacy, autonomy, and other important life skills," said lead author Reut Shachnai, a graduate student in Yale's Department of Psychology.

From Science Daily

For my mom, it was an exercise in self-efficacy.

From Slate

It’s his one source of self-esteem, self-efficacy and pride.

From Los Angeles Times

A University of Adelaide study found females, people with low self-efficacy, reluctant exercisers, higher academic achievers, and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are all most at risk of failing to establish regular exercise patterns during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

From Science Daily