Self-efficacy is defined as what?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This concept is not static; it is considered a dynamic set of self-beliefs that can vary depending on the performance domain or context. For example, a person might feel highly self-efficacious in educational settings but less confident in athletic endeavors. This variability reflects the influence of past experiences, specific achievements, and social comparisons on one's beliefs about their capabilities. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of self-efficacy as it emphasizes the adaptability and context-dependent nature of these self-beliefs in relation to performance across different fields.