Forceful actions arising from erroneous beliefs often create social effects that confirm the misbeliefs

[Attributional] factors serve as conveyors of efficacy information that influence performance largely through their intervening effects on self-percepts of efficacy

Self-belief does not necessarily ensure success, but self-disbelief assuredly spawns failure.

People who hold a low view of themselves [will credit] their achievements to external factors, rather than to their own capabilities.

People who are insecure about themselves will avoid social comparisons that are potentially threatening to their self-esteem

In any given instance, behavior can be predicted best by considering both self-efficacy and outcome beliefs . . . different patterns of self-efficacy and outcome beliefs are likely to produce different psychological effects

Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations.