3.2.3.1.12 Self-efficacy and confidence GapFill

A reason for the emergence of psychology in modern sport is the significant effect it can have on performance. Self-confidence is one aspect of psychology which could be as important as physical ability, and, when the two are combined, they can result in vast improvements in performance. In a sporting context, self-confidence can be defined as the   controlbeliefrestraintchoice an individual has over their ability to perform successfully in sport.   Self-effectivenessSelf-efficacyEfficiencyEffort is a branch of confidence which refers to the belief an individual has concerning their ability to be successful when faced with a specific situation. For example, a gymnast might be confident in their flexibility but be able to apply this only in certain events. Whether or not a performer possesses these traits can have a result on their  self-beliefself-efficacyself-confidenceself-esteem, which is the level of respect they give themselves for their own ability and the trust they place in themselves. These three factors share a number of similar characteristics:

• If an individual is more confident about their sporting ability, they will be more willing to try out activities. This could be due to overcoming perceived barriers such as humiliation or   abilityskilldiscriminationsuccess that impair an individual's confidence. For example, a female runner who repeatedly finishes last in a race might suffer from a loss of confidence each time, which eventually causes her to drop out of sport altogether. This might be a reflection not of her ability but instead of her confidence levels and the ability and confidence of other competitors. On the flip side, if this runner maintained her confidence, she might be encouraged to transfer to a sport where she was able to experience more success, and thus rebuild her confidence.
• A sense of  negativitypositivitypessimismrealism within the individual, increasing the belief in their abilities to perform and participate. Confidence could also lead to individuals  loathingsegregatingforcinginspiring others low on confidence to raise their levels and experience similar success. 
• Having a high level of sports confidence enhances an individual's  arousalmotivationtensionapprehension for sport, improving the likelihood of positive outcomes. It can lead to a greater tendency to accept challenges and take risks, potentially improving performance even further. For example, a confident rugby player might be more willing to trust their kicking ability to gain territory during a game. However, there is potential for an individual to be   arrogantoverconfidentnegativereckless and become complacent with their actions. This might result in underperformance and have a negative effect on their confidence levels.