What does self-efficacy refer to in the context of behavior change?

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully accomplish a specific task or achieve a desired outcome. In the context of behavior change, this concept is crucial because it influences how people think, feel, and motivate themselves to pursue personal goals. Those with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals and persist in the face of obstacles, as they trust in their capabilities to effect change. This belief serves as a strong predictor of an individual's readiness and commitment to modify their behaviors effectively.

By understanding that self-efficacy is about an individual's confidence in their ability to make changes, it is evident that this belief can serve as a driving force behind taking action and maintaining new behaviors once they are established. Other aspects such as action plans, preparation steps, or maintenance processes are significant components of the behavior change journey, but they are contingent upon the underlying belief in one's ability to initiate and sustain that change.