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

Charlotte Meilstrup (), Lau Caspar Thygesen (), Line Nielsen (), Vibeke Koushede (), Donna Cross () and Bjørn Evald Holstein ()
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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

International Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 61, issue 4, No 13, 505-512

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Mental health; Adolescents; Socioeconomic inequality; Self-efficacy; Emotional symptoms; Mediation analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0790-3

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