When exploring the scientific approach to self-confidence, Aurelio Cortese, Kaoru Amano, Ai Koizumi, Mitsuo Kawato, and Hakwan Lau explain in the article Multivoxel neurofeedback selectively modulates confidence without changing perceptual performance that confidence can be defined as the degree of certainty regarding our own perceptual decisions. This definition highlights the link between confidence, metacognitive abilities, and introspection.
In other words, it is our judgment about our ability to accomplish something (…).

Some psychologists, Sanjaly Jayesh and Sannet Thomas, mention in their book The Differences in Self-Efficacy, Self-Confidence, and Life Satisfaction Among Young Adults by Gender and Their Relationships that self-confidence can be seen as “self-respect.” This implies that self-confidence is built on respect for one’s own skills, the love one has for oneself, and awareness of one’s emotions.
It develops by learning to know oneself better, setting clear goals, and cultivating a positive attitude. The thoughts and feelings of assurance that follow are the reflection of this inner confidence. It is also important to note that confidence levels may vary from one task to another (…).

Self-confidence is not fixed; it can evolve. It can strengthen or diminish depending on how we perceive our abilities or redefine our view of the demands of a task.
To explain this, George P. Hollenbeck and Douglas T. Hall made a clear formula:

Self-confidence = Perceived Ability – Perceived Task Requirement
SC = PA – PTR

This formula illustrates that self-confidence results from a balance between how we perceive our own skills (PA) and how we perceive the demands of the task (PTR). If perceived abilities exceed perceived demands, confidence is high. Conversely, if demands seem greater than abilities, confidence decreases.

This approach shows how our self-perception and our perception of what is required of us can directly influence our level of confidence, whether strengthened or weakened. Past experiences can also alter the way we view our ability to act or accomplish certain things. On the other hand, successful experiences often reinforce the perception of one’s abilities.

Here is an illustration of the assessment of self-confidence as explained by Hollenbeck & Hall:

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In any case, self-perception in a metacognitive context is always present. It requires the effort of stepping back enough to determine whether we are capable of accomplishing what is expected of us or others. This is when the first beliefs, values, and “drivers” (deeply ingrained patterns that influence our behavior, often in the pursuit of love, recognition, or worthiness) begin to form — leading to the understanding of one’s limits and needs.

It is impossible to speak about self-confidence without considering the contexts in which it develops. The educational, cultural, and social environment (deeply shaped by patriarchy and capitalism), as well as the ethnicity, appearance, or gender in which a person evolves, has a decisive influence on how identity, the Self, confidence, and self-esteem are formed.

Chantal Legere, psychologist, writes on torontopsychologists.com that self-confidence refers to the trust we have in specific areas of life and concerns the belief in ourselves and our ability to achieve goals and succeed in challenges. Self-confidence is outward-focused and is often easier to develop than self-esteem. Confidence comes from knowledge and practice. Therefore, the more experience we have in a given field, the more confident we become.

Self-esteem, on the other hand, is inward-focused and often dictates how we interact with the world and others. It is our own evaluation of our worth. Self-esteem is formed through life experiences as well as our relationships with others (…).

Self-esteem and self-confidence do not always go hand in hand. It is entirely possible to be confident in one’s abilities while having low self-esteem. For example, a professional athlete may have great confidence in her abilities yet suffer from low self-esteem and doubt her own worth.

However, when we have confidence in certain aspects of our life, it can contribute to a greater overall sense of self-esteem, allowing us to work on both at the same time. »