Question

_____ is an individual's belief in her capability to complete some task. a. physiological needs b. self-esteem c. self-actualization d. self-efficacy

Short answer

d. self-efficacy

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing the Options

Look at each option and understand their meanings. Based on the description given, physiological needs refer to the basic physical needs for survival, like food, water and rest. Self-esteem is an individual's overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth, while self-actualization refers to the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities. Lastly, self-efficacy reflects the belief in one's capability to accomplish any task.

Picking the Relevant Term

Having described each term, pick the one that appropriately describes an individual's belief in their capability to complete a task.

Key concepts

Psychological Needs

Understanding psychological needs is crucial for comprehending human motivation. These needs are deeply embedded desires that drive an individual's behavior.

When we consider our psychological or emotional well-being, we're addressing our intrinsic needs beyond physical survival. This encompasses the desire for love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.

Nurturing Connections

Part of fulfilling our psychological needs is forming strong, healthy connections with others. Feeling connected can significantly boost our mental and emotional health.

Achieving Mastery

Another aspect is the need for competence or mastery, where one seeks to excel and develop skills in various domains of life. It's linked to the idea of self-efficacy, as individuals aim to believe in their capabilities.

Self-Esteem

Moving onto the concept of self-esteem, it is a critical component of our overall mental health. Self-esteem is often described as the valuation we place on ourselves.

This valuation influences every aspect of our lives, touching on our choices, our relationships, and our emotional resilience. A strong sense of self-esteem enables individuals to face life's challenges with confidence.

Building Blocks of Self-Worth

To enhance self-esteem, it's important to recognize and celebrate personal achievements, no matter how small they might seem. It's also crucial to be kind to oneself, practicing self-compassion and understanding.

Nurturing self-esteem is a lifelong process that requires mindful attention to the internal dialogue we entertain about our worth and abilities.

Self-Actualization

The term self-actualization was popularized by psychologist Abraham Maslow. It represents the pinnacle of his hierarchy of needs and pertains to the full realization of one's potential.

Self-actualization is not a state that once achieved, remains static. It is rather a continuous process of becoming and growth. People who are self-actualized often exhibit creativity, problem-solving skills, and a genuine concern for the welfare of humanity.

Realizing Potential

To engage in self-actualization, individuals must be willing to step outside of their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and pursue meaningful goals. They also need to embrace authenticity in their lives, staying true to their own values and beliefs despite external pressures.

Individual Capability

Lastly, individual capability highlights the unique abilities and strengths that each person possesses. It feeds into the construct of self-efficacy, which refers to one's belief in their capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

Albert Bandura, who introduced the term, emphasized that self-efficacy affects everything from psychological states to behavior to motivation.

Enhancing Self-Efficacy

To improve self-efficacy, it's suggested that individuals gain mastery experiences, learn through vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and awareness of physiological states. All these factors contribute to stronger individual capability and thereby to an increased belief in one's ability to succeed in different aspects of life.