The Effect of Geography Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Teaching on Their Motivation

Abstract

Self-efficacy is an individual's belief in his or her ability to perform a task or achieve a specific goal. It is a crucial aspect of human psychology that can have a considerable impact on an individual’s motivation, performance, and general well-being. According to one study, self-efficacy is a significant predictor of exercise behavior and physical fitness (McAuley & Blissmer, 2000). One reason self-efficacy effectiveness is that it influences people's expectations and perceptions about their abilities. Individuals with high self-efficacy tend to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, whereas those with low self-efficacy perceive them as threats to their self-esteem (Bandura, 1997). As a result, individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals, persist against difficulties, and develop coping skills. On the contrary, those with poor self-efficacy may avoid challenges or set low expectations for themselves.