Final answer:
When confronted with a task one is ill-prepared for, the individual is likely to experience anxiety. This relates to self-efficacy and the developmental need to feel competent, which are hampered by a lack of preparedness and can lead to distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person is confronted with a task which they are compelled to perform but for which they are ill-prepared, they are likely to experience anxiety. This emotional response occurs because the individual may doubt their ability to perform the task successfully, leading to feelings of unease or worry about potential failure. This concept relates to one's level of self-efficacy, which is the confidence one has in their ability to execute actions required for a desired outcome. In this context, a low self-efficacy might contribute to higher anxiety levels.
Additionally, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development highlights the importance of feeling competent as a core task for adolescents, indicating that a lack of preparedness can hinder this developmental milestone and cause distress. The anxiety experienced in such situations is in stark contrast to feelings of competence or self-esteem, which are associated with being well-prepared and confident in handling tasks.