The Effect of Social Connectedness on Self-Efficacy Among School-Going Adolescents

Abstract

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s confidence in their ability to successfully perform specific behaviors and achieve desired goals. While substantial research has examined the role of social connectedness in promoting mental health, there is limited research exploring its influence on the self-efficacy of school-going adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent mental health requires significant attention, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among this age group. Existing research suggests that high self-efficacy contributes to the reduction of mental health problems, underscoring the importance of investigating the relationship between social connectedness and self-efficacy in adolescents. The present study assessed the self-efficacy of school-going students using a standardized scale on a sample of 403 participants. Data were collected through convenience sampling. Findings indicated that higher levels of social connectedness positively influenced self-efficacy compared to lower levels of social connectedness. The results are discussed in relation to previous research, with attention to implications, limitations, and directions for future studies.