What is Self-Efficacy? Self-Efficacy is the belief in an individual's ability to successfully complete a task. This belief is rooted in childhood and can continue to grow throughout an individual's life. Self-efficacy can have a profound effect on an individual's motivation and behaviors. Self-efficacy may also influence an individual's health. People who have high self-efficacy are more likely to be physically active, begin to exercise regularly, and even adopt healthier eating habits.
In the social cognitive theory, this is one of the most influential factors in determining the outcome of a task. This theory states that individuals with a high self-efficacy view difficult tasks positively. Bandura's work on social learning also includes the concept of self-efficacy. For example, when studying a child's ability to do a difficult task, a parent might see him as having high self-efficacy even if he is unable to complete the task.
To succeed in any endeavor, people must have a strong sense of self-efficacy. A high sense of self-efficacy will motivate a person to persist even if it is difficult. In addition, a high sense of self-efficacy will help students stick with their goals and stay calm even when things don't go as planned. A high self-efficacy will also help students develop the ability to solve problems in a creative way.
The highest levels of self-efficacy have been associated with a higher first-year college grade point average, more credits earned, and increased retention. However, a high level of self-efficacy may not be necessary for academic success. In addition, it may protect new mothers from excessive stress and postpartum depression. Moreover, high self-efficacy in parenting is associated with lower rates of postpartum depression.
Learning from others is a good way to increase self-efficacy. A role model can be a teacher or an employer. Learning from these people increases the likelihood that the individual will achieve success. Similarly, negative thought patterns can diminish self-efficacy. If you consistently think negatively, it is difficult to be confident in a task. Therefore, challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with realistic and achievable thoughts is crucial. The self-efficacy level can be increased by following these strategies.