Role of Self Efficacy as a Moderator in the Relationship of Psychological Distress, Psychosocial Adjustment and Educational Adjustment among University Students

Abstract

Psychological distress is a well-known term that has serious effect on the individual’s psychological and physical health. Now-a-days, it has become a topic of great concern for the psychosocial and educational adjustment amongst university students. The present study investigated the relationship between psychological distress, psychosocial adjustment and educational adjustment among university students. It also explored the moderating impact of self-efficacy on these variables. Data were collected from 304 university students (male=151, female=153). Kessler k10 Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Brief Adjustment Scale, Academic Adjustment Scale and Social Adjustment Scale were used to measure the study variables. Results of the current study revealed the inverse relationship between psychological distress, psychosocial and educational adjustment. Findings of regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy moderated the relationship between psychological distress, psychosocial adjustment and educational adjustment. Moreover, female students experienced more psychological distress as compared to male students. Results were discussed and limitations, suggestions and implications were presented for future research.