self-efficacy

American  

[self-ef-i-kuh-see] / ˌsɛlfˈɛf ɪ kə si /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of self-efficacy

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

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

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

For example, research shows that women who are higher in neuroticism and perfectionism, lower in self-compassion or lower in self-efficacy are all more likely to struggle with negative body image.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2024

Compared to their peers, these students feel they have less control in their academic environment, less confidence and self-efficacy in their academic abilities, and weaker connections to other students and professors.

From Science Daily • Sep. 18, 2023

She sees how kid-focused programs like this one prove optimal for helping develop self-efficacy.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2023