What does the term competence refer to in a psychological context?

In psychology, the term competence refers to an individual’s ability to respond effectively to situations, demonstrating the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with various challenges. This includes cognitive, emotional, and social capabilities that allow a person to navigate their environment successfully. Competence encompasses problem-solving, adaptability, decision-making, and communication skills, which are vital for effective functioning in daily life.

While the other options—such as empathizing, altruism, and prosocial behavior—are important social and emotional skills, they do not encapsulate the broader definition of competence, which is more about the overall capability to handle diverse situations effectively. In this sense, competence is a foundational quality that can influence how one utilizes empathy or engages in altruistic and prosocial behaviors.