The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China

Depressed adolescents often face challenges in resuming schooling, with gender differences and psychological factors influencing their intentions. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between gender and the intention to resume schooling. Us...

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Main Authors: Ruiling Zhang, Chun Liu, Min Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Behavioral Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/963
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author Ruiling Zhang
Chun Liu
Min Yang
author_facet Ruiling Zhang
Chun Liu
Min Yang
author_sort Ruiling Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Depressed adolescents often face challenges in resuming schooling, with gender differences and psychological factors influencing their intentions. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between gender and the intention to resume schooling. Using convenience sampling, 295 school-suspended depressed adolescents (aged 12–18; mean age 15.84 ± 1.49; 75 males, 220 females) completed the General Situation Questionnaire, Questionnaire on the Intention to Resume Schooling, Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale, and Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS 27.0.1 and R 4.4.3 software. Mediation analysis was performed using logistic regression modeling. The results showed that 42.70% (126/295) of participants intended to resume schooling. Gender disparities emerged in both intention to resume schooling (χ<sup>2</sup> = 18.63, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and academic self-efficacy (<i>Z</i> = 2.31, <i>p</i> < 0.001) among depressed adolescents. Additionally, academic self-efficacy significantly differed across intention to resume schooling (<i>Z</i> = 3.05, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Gender differences in resumption intention were partially mediated by academic self-efficacy (effect = −0.18, 42.86% of total effect), with a direct gender effect of −0.24 (57.14%). These findings suggest that the gender of depressed adolescents not only directly affects their intention to resume schooling, but also indirectly affects their intention to resume schooling through academic self-efficacy.
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spelling doaj-art-069fc2b9defb48db8a8011b40a0581002025-08-20T02:45:53ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2025-07-0115796310.3390/bs15070963The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from ChinaRuiling Zhang0Chun Liu1Min Yang2Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, ChinaXiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, ChinaXiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, ChinaDepressed adolescents often face challenges in resuming schooling, with gender differences and psychological factors influencing their intentions. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between gender and the intention to resume schooling. Using convenience sampling, 295 school-suspended depressed adolescents (aged 12–18; mean age 15.84 ± 1.49; 75 males, 220 females) completed the General Situation Questionnaire, Questionnaire on the Intention to Resume Schooling, Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale, and Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS 27.0.1 and R 4.4.3 software. Mediation analysis was performed using logistic regression modeling. The results showed that 42.70% (126/295) of participants intended to resume schooling. Gender disparities emerged in both intention to resume schooling (χ<sup>2</sup> = 18.63, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and academic self-efficacy (<i>Z</i> = 2.31, <i>p</i> < 0.001) among depressed adolescents. Additionally, academic self-efficacy significantly differed across intention to resume schooling (<i>Z</i> = 3.05, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Gender differences in resumption intention were partially mediated by academic self-efficacy (effect = −0.18, 42.86% of total effect), with a direct gender effect of −0.24 (57.14%). These findings suggest that the gender of depressed adolescents not only directly affects their intention to resume schooling, but also indirectly affects their intention to resume schooling through academic self-efficacy.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/963resume schoolingacademic self-efficacysuspension of schoolingdepressionadolescentintention
spellingShingle Ruiling Zhang
Chun Liu
Min Yang
The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
Behavioral Sciences
resume schooling
academic self-efficacy
suspension of schooling
depression
adolescent
intention
title The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
title_full The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
title_fullStr The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
title_full_unstemmed The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
title_short The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China
title_sort mediating role of academic self efficacy between gender and the intention to resume schooling among depressed adolescents an empirical study from china
topic resume schooling
academic self-efficacy
suspension of schooling
depression
adolescent
intention
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/963
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