What belief describes a person's confidence in their abilities to perform necessary behaviors for success?

The belief that describes a person's confidence in their abilities to perform necessary behaviors for success is self-efficacy. This concept, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes an individual's perception of their capacity to execute specific tasks or achieve goals. Self-efficacy influences motivation, effort, and resilience in the face of challenges; when individuals believe in their abilities, they are more likely to take on challenges, persist, and ultimately succeed.

Self-efficacy is distinct from related concepts such as vicarious experiences, which refer to learning from the experiences of others, or emotional cues, which can affect motivation and behavior but are not directly tied to one's belief in their capabilities. Past accomplishments can contribute to self-efficacy by providing evidence of success, but they are one of many factors that form this overarching belief rather than being the definition itself. Thus, self-efficacy stands out as the core belief that encapsulates confidence in personal ability.