In personality psychology, how is "self-efficacy" defined?

Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This concept, central to Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, emphasizes how an individual’s confidence in their capabilities influences their motivation, behavior, and overall performance. When a person has high self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenging tasks, persist in the face of obstacles, and recover from setbacks. This self-belief empowers individuals to set ambitious goals and actively engage in the behaviors necessary to achieve them.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different psychological concepts. The degree to which one interacts with external factors relates more to environmental influences on behavior rather than self-efficacy specifically. Following social norms and values speaks to conformity and social behavior, which is distinct from an individual’s belief in their personal capabilities. Lastly, awareness of one's emotions and their impact describes emotional intelligence, which is focused on understanding and managing emotions rather than self-efficacy. Focusing on self-efficacy thus highlights a crucial aspect of personality psychology related to personal agency and effectiveness in various life situations.