In the context of Social Learning and Expectancy theory, what is the term for one's belief in their own abilities and competence?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own abilities and competence to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. This concept, developed by Albert Bandura as part of his social learning theory, emphasizes the importance of self-belief in influencing a person’s motivation and behavior. When individuals possess high self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenges, persist in the face of difficulties, and ultimately achieve positive outcomes. This belief can significantly impact learning and performance across various contexts, including education and personal development.

In contrast, achievement motivation focuses on the drive to succeed and accomplish set goals, but it does not specifically address the belief in one's own abilities. Extrinsic motivation pertains to external factors that drive behavior, such as rewards or recognition, rather than internal beliefs about competence. Teaching efficacy is related to teachers’ beliefs in their ability to affect student learning, which, while important, is not the same as an individual's broader belief in their own abilities. Thus, self-efficacy is the most appropriate term for the context provided in the question.