Impact of Self-Efficacy on Mental Health Literacy: Moderated by Perceived Stress among Young Adults

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between self-efficacy and mental health literacy for young adults, with perceived stress being examined as a moderator. Using validated measures, the study found a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy and mental health literacy. Regression showed that self-efficacy was a statistically significant predictor of mental health literacy. Moderation analyses revealed that perceived stress moderates the relationship between self-efficacy and mental health literacy, the higher a person’s perceived stress, the weaker the relationship reported. These findings suggest that improving self-efficacy could improve knowledge and awareness surrounding mental health issues, however, high levels of stress will impact this finding. Overall, this study underlines the importance of psychological resources in positive health-enabling behaviors, and calls for the design and implementation of stress-reduction and integrated mental health literacy educational programs for youth. Future recommendations includes that universities should design a number of workshops targeting self-efficacy related to health behavior, alongside objectives designed to reduce stress. Recommendations for future incorporates that mental health campaigns should seek to increase their effectiveness through the co-consideration of coping tools along with psycho-education.