What does self-efficacy refer to in psychological terms?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. It plays a crucial role in determining how people think, behave, and feel, particularly in the context of challenging or unfamiliar situations. This concept originates from psychologist Albert Bandura, who suggested that self-efficacy influences motivation, effort, and persistence. When individuals believe they can effectively carry out actions needed to achieve a goal, they are more likely to engage in those activities and strive to overcome obstacles.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of self-efficacy. Social identity involves how individuals perceive themselves in relation to groups they belong to, which is different from personal belief in task performance. The impact of external validation pertains to how outside recognition can affect an individual's self-esteem or confidence but does not define self-efficacy itself. Assessing one's self-worth is more aligned with self-esteem, which involves a broader evaluation of oneself rather than the specific belief in one's capabilities in given tasks. Thus, the focus of self-efficacy is specifically on the feeling of capability in performing tasks, making the answer about this belief correct.