The relationship between self-efficacy and depression in adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the self-efficacy status of depressed versus nondepressed adolescents. As predicted, self-efficacy was negatively correlated with depression. A three-way interaction of Sex x Age x Level of Depression suggested separate analyses for males and females. Regression analysis revealed age-related changes in the dependence of depression scores on general, academic, physical and social self-efficacy status. It was concluded that self-efficacy has an important relationship with adolescent depression. The implications of these findings are discussed.