Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review

Self-efficacy is a key determinant of university student persistence, while dropout remains a global challenge. This article is a systematic review of a large body of research examining the relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout. A literature search was started in databases, eligi...

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Main Authors: Ana B. Bernardo, Vanesa García-Gutiérrez, Maria Esteban, Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1553485/full
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author Ana B. Bernardo
Vanesa García-Gutiérrez
Maria Esteban
Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz
author_facet Ana B. Bernardo
Vanesa García-Gutiérrez
Maria Esteban
Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz
author_sort Ana B. Bernardo
collection DOAJ
description Self-efficacy is a key determinant of university student persistence, while dropout remains a global challenge. This article is a systematic review of a large body of research examining the relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout. A literature search was started in databases, eligible studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and their quality was analyzed, obtaining the 16 documents that were finally analyzed. The results show that the phenomenon of abandonment and the understanding of the different related variables is considered a problem of growing interest in the scientific community. Self-efficacy is a key factor in students continuing their studies. Students with higher self-efficacy are less likely to drop out of university. However, most research in the field is cross-sectional, which limits the understanding of how self-efficacy changes over time. More longitudinal research is suggested to address this limitation and to develop educational policies that strengthen self-efficacy and reduce dropout.
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spelling doaj-art-9e42ee3d4aef4ee1ae804188eb2319172025-08-20T03:58:49ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-07-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15534851553485Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic reviewAna B. Bernardo0Vanesa García-Gutiérrez1Maria Esteban2Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz3Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, SpainDepartment of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, SpainDepartment of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, SpainDepartment of Industrial Engineering, University of Concepción, Concepción, ChileSelf-efficacy is a key determinant of university student persistence, while dropout remains a global challenge. This article is a systematic review of a large body of research examining the relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout. A literature search was started in databases, eligible studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and their quality was analyzed, obtaining the 16 documents that were finally analyzed. The results show that the phenomenon of abandonment and the understanding of the different related variables is considered a problem of growing interest in the scientific community. Self-efficacy is a key factor in students continuing their studies. Students with higher self-efficacy are less likely to drop out of university. However, most research in the field is cross-sectional, which limits the understanding of how self-efficacy changes over time. More longitudinal research is suggested to address this limitation and to develop educational policies that strengthen self-efficacy and reduce dropout.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1553485/fullself-efficacyuniversity dropouthigher educationsystematic reviewprotective factors
spellingShingle Ana B. Bernardo
Vanesa García-Gutiérrez
Maria Esteban
Jorge Maluenda-Albornoz
Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
Frontiers in Psychology
self-efficacy
university dropout
higher education
systematic review
protective factors
title Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
title_full Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
title_fullStr Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
title_short Relationship between self-efficacy and university dropout: a systematic review
title_sort relationship between self efficacy and university dropout a systematic review
topic self-efficacy
university dropout
higher education
systematic review
protective factors
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1553485/full
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