Self-esteem and self-efficacy are two related but distinct concepts. Self-efficacy is a person’s belief in their ability to complete a task or achieve a goal, while self-esteem is the regard or respect that a person has for oneself.
Contents
Definition of Terms
| Self-esteem | Self-efficacy |
|---|---|
| A person’s overall sense of self-worth or self-value | A person’s belief in their ability to complete a task or achieve a goal. |
| It is the subjective evaluation that a person makes about themselves, which can be influenced by various factors such as one’s upbringing, experiences, and social interactions. | Refers to a person’s belief in their ability to complete a task or achieve a goal. It is more specific and task-oriented than self-esteem. |
| It’s more focused on “being” (e.g., feeling that you are perfectly acceptable as you are). | It’s more focused on “doing”(e.g., feeling that you are up to a challenge). |
| It provides an overall view of oneself regardless of success or failure in specific tasks. | Is about the belief in one’s ability to perform a particular task or achieve a specific goal. |
For example, a person with high self-esteem may have a positive view of themselves overall, regardless of whether they succeed or fail at a particular task. On the other hand, a person with high self-efficacy may believe that they can successfully complete a task, even if they don’t necessarily have a positive view of themselves overall.
Examples Of High Self-Esteem And High Self-Efficacy
High self-esteem:
- A person who feels confident and secure in themselves, regardless of their successes or failures.
- A person who values themselves and their abilities, and is able to assert themselves in social situations.
- A person who is able to set healthy boundaries and prioritize their own needs and well-being.
- A person who is able to accept and learn from constructive criticism without feeling personally attacked.
High self-efficacy:
- A person who believes in their ability to achieve a specific goal, such as running a marathon or learning a new skill.
- A person who is able to persist in the face of obstacles or setbacks, and is willing to put in the effort to achieve their goals.
- A person who is able to adapt to new situations and challenges, and is not easily discouraged by failure.
- A person who is able to take on leadership roles and make decisions with confidence and competence.
It’s worth noting that self-esteem and self-efficacy can vary depending on the situation and context, and that everyone experiences moments of self-doubt or insecurity. However, developing healthy levels of both self-esteem and self-efficacy can help individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Both self-esteem and self-efficacy can have a significant impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, they are distinct constructs that can be influenced by different factors and can affect different aspects of a person’s life.
Origin & Impact Of Self-Esteem And Self-Efficacy
Self-esteem and self-efficacy are both important for mental health and well-being, but they differ in how they are developed and the impact they have on a person’s life.
Self-esteem is often shaped by a person’s early experiences and relationships, such as their interactions with parents, peers, and other important figures in their life. Positive experiences and supportive relationships can help foster a healthy sense of self-esteem, while negative experiences and critical interactions can lead to lower self-esteem.
Self-efficacy, on the other hand, is more task-oriented and can be developed through experiences of mastery and success. When a person successfully completes a task or achieves a goal, it can increase their belief in their ability to do so in the future. Conversely, repeated failures or lack of success can decrease a person’s self-efficacy, as Canadian psychologist Albert Bandura observed.
Both self-esteem and self-efficacy can impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, a person with low self-esteem may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy, while a person with low self-efficacy may feel unsure of their abilities and avoid taking on new challenges. Conversely, a person with high self-esteem or self-efficacy may be more likely to take risks, pursue their goals, and have a positive outlook on life.
Overall, while self-esteem and self-efficacy are related, they are distinct constructs that can have different impacts on a person’s life. Developing healthy levels of both can be important for mental health and well-being.
Does self-esteem affect self-efficacy?
Yes, self-esteem can affect self-efficacy. According to social cognitive theory, self-efficacy beliefs are influenced by four sources of information:
- mastery experiences,
- vicarious experiences,
- social persuasion, and
- physiological and affective states.
Of these sources, mastery experiences (i.e., successful performance) are considered the most influential factor in shaping self-efficacy beliefs.
Self-esteem can impact self-efficacy by influencing a person’s interpretation of their mastery experiences. For example, a person with high self-esteem may interpret a successful performance as evidence of their ability and competence, which can increase their self-efficacy.1 In contrast, a person with low self-esteem may interpret the same performance as a fluke or attribute it to external factors, which can decrease their self-efficacy.
Additionally, self-esteem can impact a person’s willingness to take on challenges and persist in the face of obstacles, which are important factors in developing self-efficacy. A person with high self-esteem may be more likely to take on challenges and persist in the face of setbacks, which can lead to more opportunities for mastery experiences and increased self-efficacy. In contrast, a person with low self-esteem may be more likely to avoid challenges and give up more easily, which can limit their opportunities for mastery experiences and decrease their self-efficacy.
Conclusion
Overall, while self-esteem and self-efficacy are distinct constructs, they can interact with each other and impact a person’s beliefs and behaviors. Developing healthy levels of both self-esteem and self-efficacy can be important for achieving one’s goals and maintaining mental health and well-being.
- Mindful Learning Experience Facilitates Mastery Experience Through Heightened Flow and Self-Efficacy in Game-Based Creativity Learning, Yeh Yu-chu, Chen Szu-Yu, Rega Elisa Marie, Lin Chin-Shan, Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 10 – 201 ↩︎