Academic research that includes most dictionaries defines self-belief as having a positive attitude, personal confidence and a willingness to engage. Self-efficacy involves an individual having the belief and self-confidence in their ability to succeed at tasks. Self-esteem is about having a favorable self-impression and self-respect. In relation to opinion, an opinion is a personal point of view that is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
It is only in this existential reality of the present where decisions, choices, behaviors, and actions can be initiated. What that then means, in terms of bullying, which only takes place as a choice in the present, is that one can choose to be a bully, or one can choose not to be a bully. Either choice will have consequences, for which the individual will be and is responsible (Falla et al., 2023; Menesini et al., 2013; Purje, 2014).