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Does self-efficacy mediate the association between socioeconomic background and emotional symptoms among schoolchildren?

Author

Listed:
  • Charlotte Meilstrup

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Lau Caspar Thygesen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Line Nielsen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Vibeke Koushede

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Donna Cross

    (Telethon Kids Institute)

  • Bjørn Evald Holstein

    (University of Southern Denmark)

Abstract

Objectives Emotional symptoms are widespread among adolescents with the highest prevalence among lower socioeconomic groups. Less is known about why and how to reduce this inequality but personal control, e.g., self-efficacy may be crucial. This study examines whether self-efficacy is a mediator in the association between occupational social class (OSC) and emotional symptoms. Methods Data stem from the cross-sectional Health Behavior in School-aged Children-Methodology Development Survey 2012 (HBSC-MDS) conducted among 11–15-year old schoolchildren in two Danish municipalities. Participation rate was 76.8 % of 5165 enrolled schoolchildren, n = 3969. Results Low OSC is associated with higher odds of daily emotional symptoms and low selfefficacy. Schoolchildren with low self-efficacy have higher odds for daily emotional symptoms. We find a strong and statistically significant direct effect between low OSC and daily emotional symptoms (OR = 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.33; 1.84) and a borderline statistically significant indirect effect of self-efficacy [OR = 1.17 (0.99; 1.38)]. Conclusions Socioeconomic inequality in emotional symptoms exists. This inequality is partly explained by socioeconomic inequality in self-efficacy. Promotion of personal competences like self-efficacy may reduce emotional symptoms among all socioeconomic groups, thereby reducing socioeconomic inequalities in emotional symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Meilstrup & Lau Caspar Thygesen & Line Nielsen & Vibeke Koushede & Donna Cross & Bjørn Evald Holstein, 2016. "Does self-efficacy mediate the association between socioeconomic background and emotional symptoms among schoolchildren?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 61(4), pages 505-512, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:61:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s00038-016-0790-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0790-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mogens Damsgaard & Bjørn Holstein & Vibeke Koushede & Katrine Madsen & Charlotte Meilstrup & Malene Nelausen & Line Nielsen & Signe Rayce, 2014. "Close relations to parents and emotional symptoms among adolescents: beyond socio-economic impact?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 59(5), pages 721-726, October.
    2. Joanna Mazur & Agnieszka Malkowska-Szkutnik & Izabela Tabak, 2014. "Changes in family socio-economic status as predictors of self-efficacy in 13-year-old Polish adolescents," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 59(1), pages 107-115, February.
    3. Reiss, Franziska, 2013. "Socioeconomic inequalities and mental health problems in children and adolescents: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 24-31.
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    2. Elizabeth A. Newnham & Satchit Balsari & Rex Pui Kin Lam & Shraddha Kashyap & Phuong Pham & Emily Y. Y. Chan & Kaylie Patrick & Jennifer Leaning, 2017. "Self-efficacy and barriers to disaster evacuation in Hong Kong," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 62(9), pages 1051-1058, December.
    3. Zbigniew Izdebski & Krzysztof Wąż & Anna Kowalewska & Joanna Mazur, 2020. "Psychosocial determinants of sexual norms and their impact on sexual debut in Polish adolescents," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(8), pages 1393-1401, November.
    4. Junlei Yu & Timothy Sim & Wenhua Qi & Zhe Zhu, 2020. "Communication with Local Officials, Self-Efficacy, and Individual Disaster Preparedness: A Case Study of Rural Northwestern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-14, July.

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