Autoeficácia, construtos correlatos e depressão em adolescentes

Abstract

This dissertation investigated the relationship between self-efficacy, related constructs (selfconcept and self-esteem) and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in high school adolescents. Three studies were conducted. In Study 1, a narrative review of the literature was carried out to understand the role of self-efficacy in health processes, such as health behaviors and the occurrence of Common Mental Disorders. In general, it was seen that self-efficacy acts as a facilitator of the psychological adjustment process and in the adoption, initiation and maintenance of health behaviors. Study 2 consisted of an integrative literature review about the evidence of the relationship between self-efficacy and depression in adolescents. We sought to identify and analyze the bibliometric and psychometric characteristics of the instruments used to measure the variables in primary studies. In addition, the content of their main findings was analyzed. Among the main results, it was found, in most studies, a statistically significant and negative relationship between self-efficacy and depression in adolescents. Finally, Study 3, which was empirical, aimed to analyze the ability to predict self-efficacy and related constructs on depressive symptoms in adolescents. It was also performed the tracking of symptoms of depression in this audience, and the analysis of moderation of the variables sex and age between the cognitive predictor and the depressive symptomatology. In this study, it was evidenced that low levels of self-efficacy were predictors of higher levels of depressive symptoms and this relationship was not moderated by the sex or age of the participant The set of these studies enabled the apprehension and the relevance of self-efficacy in understanding health phenomena, especially about the occurrence of depression in adolescents. We expect the scientific knowledge generated will help to identify individual characteristics that make adolescents more vulnerable or protected with regard to the presence of depressive symptoms. Finally, we intend to contribute to the practice of psychologists and health workers in the mental health care, and to improve the scientific investigation and psychological treatment of depression.