Role of Alexithymia, Anxiety, and Depression in Predicting Self-Efficacy in Academic Students

Abstract

Objective. Little research is available on the predictive factors of self-efficacy in college students. The aim of the present study is to examine the role of alexithymia, anxiety, and depression in predicting self-efficacy in academic students. Design. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 133 students at Babol University of Medical Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Paramedicine) participated in the study between 2014 and 2015. All participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), and 14 items on anxiety and depression derived from the 28 items of the General Health Questionnaire (28-GHQ). Results. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed negative significant relationships between alexithymia and the three subscales with student self-efficacy. There was no significant correlation between anxiety/depression symptoms and student self-efficacy. A backward multiple regression analysis revealed that alexithymia was a negative significant predictor of self-efficacy in academic students (B = −0.512, P < 0.001). The prevalence of alexithymia was 21.8% in students. Multiple backward logistic analysis regression revealed that number of passed semesters, gender, mother's education, father's education, and doctoral level did not accurately predict alexithymia in college students. Conclusion. As alexithymia is prevalent in college students and affects self-efficacy and academic functioning, we suggest it should be routinely evaluated by mental physicians at universities.

Alexithymia among Jordanian university students: Its prevalence and correlates with depression, anxiety, stress, and demographics

“…In this study, the Cronbach's α for the whole scale was .85. This tool has been used with Saudi Arabian mothers and with Iranian university students Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale's (DASS‐21) Arabic version was used to measure depression (D), anxiety (A), and stress (S).…”

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A causal model of critical thinking in a sample of Iranian medical students: associations with self-esteem, hardiness, and positive affect

“…Moreover, they confirmed that self-efficacy and psychological hardiness have important roles in the educational progression of the students [29]. A study showed that there is significant correlation between psychosocial psychological hardiness and thinking styles [18]. How does psychological hardiness contribute to reducing the amount of psychological distress in events?…”

“…9237222). Mental profiles of the students have been reported previously [18]. This paper focuses on critical thinking.…”

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