Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Self-efficacy refers to what belief?

1. The ability to succeed in interpersonal relationships

2. The belief in one's ability to accomplish tasks successfully

3. The acceptance of failure

4. The need for external validation

The correct answer is: The belief in one's ability to accomplish tasks successfully

Self-efficacy is a concept developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, which emphasizes the belief in one's own capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. This belief is crucial as it influences how people feel, think, motivate themselves, and behave. Individuals with strong self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals, persist in the face of adversity, and recover quickly from setbacks. The correct choice reflects the essence of self-efficacy, which is fundamentally about an individual's confidence in their own abilities to succeed in particular situations or accomplish tasks. This concept extends beyond mere belief; it encompasses the individual’s assessment of their skills and competencies in various domains, whether academic, social, or professional. The other options, while addressing different aspects of human behavior and motivation, do not accurately define self-efficacy. For instance, the belief in one's success in interpersonal relationships pertains more to social skills and emotional intelligence rather than self-efficacy itself. Acceptance of failure relates more to resilience and coping mechanisms rather than the belief in personal ability. The need for external validation speaks to an individual's dependency on others’ approval, which diverges from the intrinsic belief in one's capabilities that characterizes self-efficacy.