Social Support and Self-Efficacy in Early Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Cherewick Megan, Lama Rinzi, Rai Roshan P., Dukpa Choden, Mukhia Dikcha, Giri Priscilla, Matergia Michael
Primary Institution: Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Hypothesis
This study aimed to assess the impact of sources of social support and dimensions of self-efficacy on psychological symptoms and mental wellbeing among early adolescents.
Conclusion
The study found that emotional self-efficacy and family support were linked to lower psychological symptoms, while social self-efficacy and peer support were associated with better mental wellbeing.
Supporting Evidence
- 13% of early adolescents screened positive for clinical depression.
- 44% reported poor mental wellbeing.
- Emotional and academic self-efficacy were linked to reduced psychological symptoms.
- Social and academic self-efficacy were associated with higher levels of mental wellbeing.
- Dimensions of social support and self-efficacy explained a greater proportion of variability in mental wellbeing outcomes than in psychological symptoms.
Takeaway
This study shows that having supportive family and friends can help kids feel better and do better in life, especially during tough times.
Methodology
The study used surveys to assess social support and self-efficacy among adolescents aged 10-14 in Darjeeling, India, and analyzed the data using regression models.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias due to social desirability, and convenience sampling limits generalizability.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported measures, which may be influenced by social desirability bias, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific context of Darjeeling.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 135 females and 139 males, aged 10-14, primarily from rural areas in Darjeeling, India.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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