Self-efficacy beliefs regulate human functioning through cognitive, motivational, affective, and
decisional processes. They affect whether individuals think in self-enhancing or self-debilitating
ways; how well they motivate themselves and persevere in the face of difficulties; the quality of
their emotional life and vulnerability to stress and depression; resiliency to adversity; and the
choices they make at important decisional points which set life courses. Through these diverse
means, belief in one’s capability to exercise some measure of control in the face of taxing stressors promotes resilience to them.