Final answer:
The term for a positive perception of oneself and one's abilities is self-confidence, closely tied to self-concept. A positive self-concept contributes to overall well-being and is crucial for healthy psychological development, specifically during adolescence as per Erikson's theory. It is also important to be aware of the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals' perception of their abilities may not match their actual expertise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a positive perception of oneself and one's abilities is known as self-confidence. This concept is related to self-concept, which encompasses all of our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. When we have a favorable comparison of our abilities to others, it enhances our self-concept, motivates us to accomplish more, and contributes to a sense of competence. On the other hand, self-efficacy is the belief in our own ability to succeed in specific situations, which drives our sense of self-regulation, also referred to as will power or an internal locus of control. In contrast, an external locus of control is the belief that our outcomes are outside of our control.
Development of a positive self-concept and self-confidence is crucial for healthy development, as outlined in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Notably, during the adolescent stage, individuals work on identity formation, which includes internalizing messages about their strengths and weaknesses. Young people who navigate this successfully can contribute positively to society.
It is important to be wary of the Dunning-Kruger effect, which is when people with less knowledge overestimate their abilities, while experts tend to underrate their own expertise but overestimate the general public's level of expertise.