Final answer:
Self-confidence refers to one's general assurance in their own ideas, judgment, and capabilities, closely related to self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief in one's abilities to handle situations and perform tasks, while locus of control is a belief system about the causes of events in one's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general assurance in one's own ideas, judgment, and capabilities is typically referred to as self-confidence. However, the concept closely related to the belief in one's own abilities to deal with various situations and to perform tasks is known as self-efficacy. This concept is different from cognitive dissonance, which is the psychological discomfort experienced when one holds conflicting beliefs or attitudes. Locus of control refers to an individual's belief system about the underlying causes of events in their life, where an internal locus of control indicates a belief that one's actions directly influence outcomes, and an external locus of control suggests that outside forces are responsible.
People with high self-efficacy typically view challenges as tasks to be mastered, develop a strong commitment to their activities, and recover from setbacks more quickly. Those with low self-efficacy tend to avoid challenging tasks, focus on potential failures, and may lose confidence after setbacks. This belief can vary from one situation to another, affecting different areas of a person's life differently.
The concept proposed by Julian Rotter, locus of control, is distinct from self-efficacy, defining how people perceive the control over their lives. These psychological concepts play a significant role in personal development and can influence an individual's academic and career achievements, as well as their independence and willingness to take responsibility for their actions.