Self-Efficacy is a part of a larger theory called "Social Cognitive Theory" developed by Albert Bandura. The International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences states:
Among all the thoughts that affect human functioning, and standing at the core of psychologist Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory, are self-efficacy beliefs, the judgments that individuals make about their capability to accomplish tasks and succeed in activities. Self-efficacy beliefs touch virtually every aspect of people’s lives— whether they think productively or self-debilitatingly; how well they motivate themselves and persevere in the face of adversities; their vulnerability to stress and depression; and the life choices they make. People with a strong sense of efficacy approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided. They have greater intrinsic interest and deep engrossment in activities, and they set themselves challenging goals and maintain strong commitment to them. High self-efficacy also helps create feelings of serenity in approaching difficult tasks and activities. As a consequence, self-efficacy beliefs powerfully influence the level of accomplishment that one ultimately achieves. (Darity ed. 2008).
Here are links to on-line videos from the UW Libraries collection on this topic. Sign on when/if prompted with UW / WyoWeb username and password:
Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory : An Introduction (2011)
Bandura's social cognitive theory : an introduction / by Albert Bandura. (2003)
Reference:
Self-Efficacy. (2008). In W. A. Darity, Jr. (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences (2nd ed., Vol. 7, pp. 409-410). Macmillan Reference USA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3045302382/GVRL?u=wylrc_uwyoming&sid=GVRL&xid=5b542c44