What does the term "self-efficacy" mean in Bandura's theory?

In Bandura's theory, "self-efficacy" refers specifically to the belief in one's ability to successfully perform and achieve specific tasks or goals. This concept emphasizes that individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors and persist in their efforts when they believe they can succeed. Self-efficacy influences not just the actions people take, but also their resilience in the face of challenges, their motivation, and ultimately their overall performance.

The term encompasses an important psychological mechanism where individuals evaluate their own capabilities, which in turn affects their willingness to undertake and sustain efforts toward goals. For example, someone who has high self-efficacy regarding public speaking is more likely to pursue opportunities to speak in a public forum because they believe they can succeed at it.

The other concepts mentioned provide different psychological perspectives—understanding one's emotions relates more to emotional intelligence, social identity pertains to how individuals perceive themselves in relation to groups, and academic performance focuses on educational outcomes rather than the underlying beliefs about abilities. These aspects, while essential in psychology, do not capture the essence of Bandura's definition of self-efficacy.