From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence: The Impact of Self-Efficacy on Young Adults
By Jack Vaughan and Maks Ezrin
As young adults transition into adulthood, the trajectory of their capabilities, wellbeing, and overall success is largely shaped by one thing – self-efficacy.
Defined as the belief in one’s own ability to accomplish their goals, self-efficacy is a core component of young adult development.
Essentially, self-efficacy boils down to belief: “I believe I can do X” Vs. “I don’t believe I can do X.” For many young adults, it is perfectly natural to shift back and forth between these two headspaces over the course of a single day. This is because young adults are often inundated with new challenges and experiences (academically, socially, vocationally, etc.), so it is not uncommon for their self-efficacy to wax and wane respectively. However, serious trouble can emerge when adequate belief in one’s own capabilities has not been cultivated.
The Significant Effects of Self-Doubt
Several studies have found that self-doubt contributes to poorer academic outcomes for undergraduate college students. Students higher in self-doubt earn lower GPAs, are less productively engaged in their work, and are at greater risk of dropping out. (Bowman et al., 2019; DiBenedetto & Bembenutty, 2013)
High self-doubt is associated with worse physical health, increased anxiety and depression, greater interpersonal problems, and lower life satisfaction among young adults. (Dong et al., 2022; Navarro et al., 2021)
Surveys of teenagers indicate that there are strong correlations between experiencing significant self-doubt and reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. (Wade et al., 2019, Chen, 2019)
Among young adult women recovering from substance abuse disorders, lack of self-confidence frequently triggers relapse risk. Building self-efficacy through interventions is crucial for preventing relapse. (Beattie & Catagnus, 2017)
While these statistics might seem somewhat concerning at first, rest assured that self-efficacy is a fluid phenomenon and truly amazing things can happen when it is successfully instilled.
The Science Behind Boosting Self-Efficacy
Several studies have found that self-efficacy is a strong predictor of academic achievement among undergraduate college students. For instance, college students with higher self-efficacy tend to earn higher GPAs, are more likely to remain in their major, and persist through graduation. (D'Lima et al., 2021; Kettlewell & Southcott, 2021; Siber et al., 2021)
An analysis of national longitudinal adolescent health data found that higher levels of self-efficacy in the late teens and early twenties are associated with better educational attainment and financial outcomes later in the emerging adult years. The researchers recommended self-efficacy interventions in adolescence as a pathway to reducing inequality and promoting upward mobility. (Chen et al., 2020)
Recent work has also connected higher levels of self-efficacy to reduced anxiety and depression, better stress management, and more career adaptability / decidedness among young adult populations. (Choi et al., 2020; Gallagher & Broda, 2021; Veresova & Mala, 2016)
Intervention efforts focused on mentoring troubled teens have been maximally effective when they include targeted coaching to build confidence as a central component. (Augsberger et al., 2022)
Cultivating self-efficacy in young adults is paramount to young adult success. It involves empowering them with the confidence to take on new challenges and the skills to do so effectively. By encouraging small successes and acknowledging efforts, we can help young adults increase their self-confidence, thereby reinforcing the idea that they have the ability and agency to shape their own lives.
By fostering self-efficacy, we empower young adults to dream bigger and work persistently toward their aspirations. This positive influence on goal-attainment not only enhances their personal development, but also equips them with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly competitive and demanding world.
Additionally, self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in addressing substance misuse. Research indicates that young adults with higher self-efficacy are more likely to resist risky situations involving substance use and exhibit greater resilience in the face of relapse. By bolstering a young person’s belief in their ability to resist temptations and cope with triggers, we can contribute to the prevention and treatment of substance misuse.
As the next generation of young adults confronts ever evolving uncertainties and obstacles, self-efficacy could not be more important. Parents, schools, treatment providers, and communities alike can make a huge impact on young adult lives by targeting the healthy development of this psychological necessity.
Today, our youth possess no shortage of potential – but realizing their promise hinges on their confidence to put their talents into action. At Youth Prevention Mentors, self-efficacy is at the core of our mission and work. With bespoke services and state-of-the-art care, we are here to help young adults and teens overcome self-doubt and foster the self-efficacy required to thrive now and in the future.