Who is credited with proposing the self-efficacy theory?

Self-efficacy theory was proposed by Albert Bandura, who is known for his work in social cognitive theory and the concept of self-efficacy, which refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to perform tasks and achieve goals. Bandura posited that self-efficacy influences not only how people think and feel but also how they motivate themselves and how they behave. It plays a crucial role in personal development and the ability to cope with challenges, emphasizing the importance of individual perception in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Bandura's research highlights that self-efficacy can be developed through various sources such as mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological states. This stands apart from the contributions of other theorists mentioned in the options. Carl Rogers, for instance, focused on client-centered therapy and self-actualization, while Erik Erikson is known for his psychosocial development stages and Maslow for his hierarchy of needs. Each of these theorists contributed significantly to psychology but did not specifically develop the concept of self-efficacy, making Bandura the definitive figure associated with this theory.