Self-confidence is critical for teens as they prepare for the challenges of adulthood, and both families and schools may together play a vital role in boosting adolescents’ confidence even in the face of difficulties with family, according to researchers.
Self-confidence is critical for teens as they prepare for the challenges of adulthood, and both families and schools may together play a vital role in boosting adolescents’ confidence even in the face of difficulties with family, according to researchers.
The researchers examined how a variety of factors affected adolescents’ self-efficacy -- a person’s belief that they have the ability to overcome challenges and be successful, similar to self-confidence.
They found that adolescents who frequently witnessed their parents arguing or engaging in other forms of conflict experienced lower self-efficacy later on. But, success in school and support from peers were able to help compensate for family problems, and even boost self-efficacy higher than those losses.
Devin McCauley, a graduate student in human development and family studies at Penn State, said the findings suggest that many factors can contribute to the development of a teen’s confidence, and that schools may be an untapped resource for helping adolescents develop self-efficacy.
Read more at Penn State
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