Some characteristics of relations among depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy

Self-efficacy should be regarded as a cognitive precursor or as a component of anxiety and of depression. Data on depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy were available from a study of the relation of self-concept to depression. Scores on the Children's Depression Scale of Lang and Tisher, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger, Test-Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger, Self-efficacy Scales of Schwarzer, and the Three-Person Test of Backes, were analyzed by multivariate methods. Subjects were 200 high school students ages 15 to 17 yr. The factor solution obtained from the factor analysis provides information regarding state-anxiety, test-anxiety, worry, and self-efficacy. Further research is planned for a better understanding of the linkages among self-efficacy, self-concept, depression, and anxiety.