Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to the belief that one can make a difference through one’s own actions and overcome challenges on one’s own. The term was coined by psychologist Albert Bandura. It is the inner voice that says, “I can do this,” even when a task is new or difficult.

It’s important to distinguish this from actual abilities. A person may be capable of many things yet still have little confidence in themselves. Conversely, someone with high self-efficacy approaches even uncertain situations with greater courage. This belief influences how we think, feel, and act.

For families, this topic is doubly significant. It concerns the child, who is learning to believe in their own abilities. And it concerns the parents, who—especially during stressful times—can easily lose the feeling that they can still make a difference.

Self-efficacy is considered one of the protective factors that build children’s emotional resilience. Children who experience that their actions make a difference are better able to cope with setbacks and crises. Even babies experience their first moments of self-efficacy when their own movements trigger a reaction.

This belief is not innate. It grows out of many small experiences in everyday life. A child is allowed to try something on their own, may fail, tries again, and eventually realizes, “I can make a difference.” It is precisely these experiences that build inner confidence.

In addition to self-efficacy, other skills contribute to emotional resilience, such as self-esteem, perseverance, and the ability to resolve conflicts with others. They support one another and are essential to healthy development.

No special programs are needed. Above all, children need reliable caregivers who provide security and support, as well as the space to do things on their own. It helps to trust them to handle age-appropriate tasks and not to intervene immediately.

• Allow for independent activity: Give the child time to solve a task on their own instead of quickly taking it over.
• Recognize effort: Praise not only the result, but also the effort and persistence.
• Support them through setbacks: View mistakes as a normal part of learning, without shaming them.
• Show confidence: Assign age-appropriate tasks that allow the child to grow.

Co-regulation also takes effect through the parent-child relationship: When parents remain calm, it helps the child process their own feelings and get through difficult moments.

During stressful times, energy levels often drop. And with them goes the confidence that one can still make a difference at all. This is exactly where self-efficacy comes into play for parents. Those who believe they can handle difficulties are more likely to see them as challenges rather than as paralyzing threats.

Parents reinforce this belief by taking small, manageable steps instead of waiting for the big solution. Every step they overcome provides a sense of accomplishment, and these experiences are the strongest source of self-efficacy.

Closely linked to this are resource mobilization and self-care. Those who know their own sources of strength and take themselves seriously are better able to cope with stress. Self-compassion is also part of this: not further devaluing oneself during difficult moments.

It’s normal to experience occasional low self-confidence, especially when a family has been under significant stress for an extended period. Parents should take notice if a child consistently lacks self-confidence, withdraws, or loses all courage. It’s also worth taking a closer look at yourself if exhaustion and hopelessness persist.

Coaching and support, such as that offered at Rückenwind, can help parents rediscover their own resources and gradually get their daily lives back on track. However, this is no substitute for a professional diagnosis or therapy.

Only a child and adolescent psychiatry (KJP) practice or a medical or psychotherapeutic specialist can conduct a professional evaluation to determine whether there is more to a child’s symptoms than meets the eye. If the distress persists, this is the right course of action.