The role of identity and self-efficacy styles in predicting psychological well-being

It is important to pay attention to the psychological traits and states that affect students' health, performance and adaptability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of different identity and self-efficacy styles in predicting psychological well-being (PWB) in students.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 300 students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, selected through multi-stage cluster sampling method from Sept. to Nov. of the academic year of 2014-2015. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, PWB scale (PWBS), general self-efficacy scale (GSES) and Berzonsky's identity style inventory (ISI). Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical indicators using SPSS 20.

The results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between total PWB score with self-efficacy (r= 0.48), information identity style (r=0.37), normative identity style (r=0.31) and commitment (r=0.23) (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant negative relationship was found between PWB and diffuse-avoidance identity style (P<0.05). Besides, self-efficacy, information identity style and normative identity style can predict PWB positively and directly as well as diffuse-avoidance identity style can predict negatively and reversely PWB.

According to the results, appropriate educational and intervention programs are effective in improving the type of identity and facilitating the process of identification. Further, teaching different skills and developing student counseling centers with the aim of increasing the self-efficacy and positive psychological states will be beneficial among students. Hence, based on the results of such studies, it is recommended to design and develop appropriate intervention and educational programs to improve identity style, facilitate identity process and increase self-efficacy among students.