Psychologist Albert Bandura introduced the concept of self-efficacy in 1977, and it has been heavily studied ever since.
Self-efficacy isn’t the same as self-esteem. The former is about action, the latter is about being.
Self-efficacy also differs from self-confidence in that it occurs when you know what’s required of you. Displays of self-efficacy include a strong commitment to interests and a willingness to overcome setbacks. An example of self-efficacy is a person who loses their job feeling positive about finding a new one.
Note that self-efficacy begins developing during childhood, but can grow throughout life. You can build self-efficacy by celebrating successes, getting feedback from others, and creating a growth mindset.
Key Takeaways:
- Psychologist Albert Bandura introduced his theory of self-efficacy in the 1970s, and it has been highly researched ever since.
- While self-esteem is focused on being, self-efficacy is focused on actions and dealing with challenges.
- Self-efficacy begins developing during childhood, but it can be improved during adulthood.
“Having self-efficacy is important as it reflects confidence in your ability to have greater control over your social environment, behavior, and motivation.”
