Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy describes the inner conviction that you can achieve your own goals through your own actions - in other words, the belief that you can make a real difference. The concept goes back to the psychologist Albert Bandura and is considered one of the most important factors for motivation and well-being.
What is self-efficacy?
Self-efficacy is not the same as self-confidence or self-esteem, even though all three are related. While self-esteem describes a general assessment of one’s own worth, self-efficacy specifically refers to the belief: I am capable of accomplishing this task.
Albert Bandura, who formulated the concept in the 1970s, identified four main sources that can fuel self-efficacy:
- Personal experiences of success: Tasks that one has successfully completed strengthen the belief in one’s ability to handle future challenges.
- Vicarious experiences: Watching others succeed can be motivating—especially when one identifies with them.
- Social support: Encouragement from others who believe in you.
- Physiological states: How the body reacts to stress influences how we assess our abilities.
Why self-efficacy is so crucial
Research suggests that a high level of self-efficacy may be linked to better goal pursuit, greater resilience in the face of setbacks, and stronger psychological well-being. It’s not about blindly overestimating oneself—but about experiencing one’s own actions as meaningful. For further reading on this topic, see the articles “From Self-Doubt to Inner Strength” and “Understanding Motivation.”
Can you train self-efficacy?
Yes - and the most effective way to do this is through small, concrete experiences of success. If you look for tasks that are just above your comfort zone and master them, you can gradually build up a stronger image of your own abilities.
What is the difference between self-efficacy and locus of control?
Belief in control describes whether someone believes that events can be influenced by their own actions (internal) or are determined by external factors (external). Self-efficacy is more specific: it refers to confidence in one's own abilities in certain situations.