Introduction: Self-efficacy is the sense of personal ability to learn contents and perform tasks. Self-efficacy although is an effective factor in academic achievement, by creating a desirable environment for the success of educational system, it can play a predictive role for medical students in the promotion of health in the community. The current study aimed at evaluating the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievements in the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and exploring the variables affecting self-efficacy and showing the role of self-efficacy as a factor influencing academic achievements.
Methods: The current descriptive–analytical, cross sectional study was conducted on 301 students selected through cluster random sampling method in 2014-2015 the academic year.The students were asked to completed a standard demographic questionnaire as well as a 17-item general self-efficacy scale developed by Sherer et al. Grade point average (GPA) was considered as a measure of academic achievement. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics including frequency, mean, and standard deviation.
Results: The average self-efficacy score was 61(8); 90% of the students have a strong self -efficacy.The average academic achievement score was17.47(1,68).56% of students were successful.There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy and educational level,mental discomfort(P < 0.05),interest in the field and satisfaction with learning(P < 0.001).There was no meaningful relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement(P ≥ 0.05).Academic achievement significantly different in men and women. (P < 0.05)
Conclusions: Identification of talents and interests,academic advice when choosing field of study,activation of counseling centers, as well as research on the relationship between motivation and academic success is suggested.