Look up: Self-efficacy

1. 
   self-efficacy
   An individual's estimate or personal judgment of his or her own ability to succeed in reaching a specific goal, e.g., quitting smoking or losing weight or a more general goal, e.g., continuing to remain at a prescribed weight level. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...
   Found on http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictiona
   
   
2. 
   Self-efficacy
   `Self-efficacy` is an impression that one is capable of performing in a certain manner or attaining certain goals. It is a belief that one has the capabilities to execute the courses of actions required to manage prospective situations. Unlike efficacy, which is the power to produce an effect (in essence, competence), self-efficacy is the belief (whether or not accurate) that one has the power to produce that effect. For example, a person with hi...
   Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-effica