What is self-efficacy primarily about?

Self-efficacy is fundamentally about an individual's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This concept, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes that these beliefs can influence behaviors, motivation, and emotional reactions. When people have high self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenges and persist in the face of difficulties because they feel capable of managing those challenges.

The other options, while related to health and behavioral outcomes, do not capture the essence of self-efficacy itself. Beliefs regarding social support refer to how individuals perceive the availability and adequacy of support from others, which contributes to overall well-being but is distinct from self-efficacy. Understanding community norms involves awareness of the behaviors and values prevalent in a social context, which can influence actions but does not directly speak to an individual’s belief in their own capabilities. Lastly, knowledge of health risks pertains to awareness of potential health issues and their implications for behavior, which is important for decision-making but separates from the motivational aspect of self-efficacy. Thus, believing in one's ability to take action is at the heart of self-efficacy and its impact on behavior change and goal achievement.