What influences self-efficacy according to the theory presented?

The concept of self-efficacy, which is rooted in Bandura's social cognitive theory, suggests that individuals' beliefs in their own abilities significantly influence their motivation, behavior, and emotional responses in various situations. Among the factors influencing self-efficacy, past performance and peer observation play a crucial role. When individuals succeed in previous tasks or observe peers successfully navigating similar challenges, they are more likely to develop a sense of capability and confidence in their abilities.

This influence reinforces the belief that they can achieve future successes, thereby fostering a stronger sense of self-efficacy. In educational settings, for example, if a student has previously excelled in a subject or sees a classmate performing well, this experience encourages them to take on new challenges with a positive mindset. Self-efficacy is not only shaped by personal experiences but also significantly influenced by the social context in which individuals operate, highlighting the importance of both past performance and the observations of others in building self-confidence and motivation for future tasks.