In the framework of effective coping, which term refers to a sense of influence or efficacy in interacting with the environment?

• A. Mastery
• B. Competence
• C. Effectance
• D. Adaptation

Answer: (C)

In effective coping, the key idea is the belief that your actions can influence what happens around you. This sense of influence, or efficacy in interacting with the environment, is captured by effectance. It’s about feeling that you can produce effects through your behavior, which motivates you to explore, persist, and problem-solve in new situations. This is distinct from mastery (the sense of control or achievement over tasks), competence (the actual ability to perform), and adaptation (adjusting to fit demands). For example, a child who learns that pushing a button makes a toy light up is experiencing effectance—the action has a tangible effect, reinforcing the belief that their actions matter.