Self-Efficacy & Teen Mental Health
Self-efficacy is the belief we have in ourselves and our ability to succeed. A sense of high self-efficacy can help people to manage and control themselves when they are exposed to negative events or stressful situations, as well as to stay motivated in pursuit of their goals. On the other hand, a feeling of low self-efficacy prevents individuals from effectively dealing with stressful situations, so that they tend to avoid setting goals and have low levels of commitment to the ones they do make.
Negative self-perception is one of the most common symptoms of depression in young adults, and has been found to be strongly associated with severity of depression symptoms. Clinical studies have shown homeless teens experience lower self-worth, increased suicidal behavior, and higher levels of depressive symptoms. Teens who are homeless also demonstrate greater internalized and externalized behavior problems than housed youth.
Our recent Life Skills class, Believing in Yourself - Knowing Your Self-Worth, focused on the concept that, "Believing in yourself is crucial to succeeding. Self-efficacy, or your ability to believe in yourself, can improve your success in goal setting.” Instructor Zaheer cited studies showing how higher self-efficacy indicates success in all areas of your life from academics and goals, to quitting a toxic behavior. Zaheer questioned students on their self beliefs, how to improve these, and how to work towards positive life changes and mindful goals, with the attitude, “If you can believe, you really can achieve.”
Robyne’s Nest provides safe housing and wrap-around services to our homeless high school students, so that their focus can be on school rather than trying to meet their basic needs. Our mission is to ensure students graduate high school - a huge step towards truly believing in themselves, and becoming self-sufficient adults.
Self-Efficacy ~ Why Believing in Yourself Matters
Homeless Youth Social Connectedness & Mental Health