According to Self-Efficacy Theory, what becomes a primary explanation for motivation?

Self-Efficacy Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes that an individual's beliefs about their own capabilities significantly influence their motivation and actions. When people have a strong belief in their ability to succeed in specific tasks or challenges, they are more likely to engage in those tasks, persist in the face of difficulties, and exhibit resilience when obstacles arise.

Beliefs are central to understanding motivation because they shape how individuals interpret their experiences and approach challenges. For instance, a student who believes they can succeed in math is more likely to tackle difficult problems, seek help when needed, and ultimately perform better than a student who doubts their abilities. This self-belief, or self-efficacy, becomes a driving force behind a person's motivation to set and achieve goals.

While emotional intelligence, social influences, and goal-setting play roles in the broader context of motivation, they do not capture the essence of motivation as directly as beliefs do in the framework of Self-Efficacy Theory. Emotional intelligence relates to the understanding and management of emotions, social influences pertain to the impact of others on behavior, and goals provide direction but are often influenced by the underlying belief in one's ability to achieve them. Thus, the primary explanation for motivation within this theory is indeed rooted in beliefs about