Which term best describes a person's confidence in their ability to carry out a behavior?

The term that best describes a person's confidence in their ability to carry out a behavior is self-efficacy. This concept originates from social cognitive theory and highlights the belief in one's own capabilities to execute actions required to produce specific performance attainments. Self-efficacy is considered a crucial determinant of motivation and behavior. When individuals have high self-efficacy, they are more likely to engage in efforts to achieve their goals, persist through challenges, and maintain a positive attitude toward their abilities.

Self-efficacy influences how challenges and obstacles are approached, with a higher level of self-efficacy leading to greater resilience and a willingness to take on tasks that may be perceived as difficult. This belief in personal capability not only impacts the initiation of behaviors but also their sustainability over time, which is particularly pertinent in fields like exercise psychology, where maintaining motivation and commitment to physical activity is key.