Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance in Colombian Dental Students
Ana C Mafla1, Kimon Divaris2, Harvey M Herrera-López2
1Ana C. Mafla, DDS, MSPH, is Research Associate Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, Colombia; Kimon Divaris, DDS, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, and Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Harvey M. Herrera-López, Psy MEd, MA, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, Colombia; and Marc W. Heft, DMD, MA, PhD, is University Term Professor and Director, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Florida ana.mafla@campusucc.edu.co.
Academic self-efficacy positively impacts dental student performance, particularly for women, those in lower socioeconomic strata, and students with heavy course loads. This study validates the Academic Behaviors Self-Efficacy Scale in dental education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Dental Education
Background:
- Self-efficacy beliefs are theorized to enhance academic outcomes.
- This association remained largely untested within dental education settings.
- Understanding self-efficacy's role is crucial for improving student success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance in dental students.
- To validate the Academic Behaviors Self-Efficacy Scale (ABSS) for use in dental education.
- To identify specific student subgroups where this association is most pronounced.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 320 dental students across five years.
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) used to assess the psychometric properties of the ABSS.
- Semester grade point average (GPA) served as the measure of academic performance.
Main Results:
- The ABSS demonstrated strong psychometric properties with a three-factor model (communication, attention, excellence).
- A significant positive association was found between self-efficacy and academic performance (rho=0.259, p<0.001).
- This association was strongest among women, students from low socioeconomic status (SES) strata, and those with heavy course loads (>15 credits).
Conclusions:
- The ABSS is a psychometrically sound measure for dental education.
- Academic self-efficacy is a significant predictor of academic performance in dental students.
- Targeted interventions may be beneficial for subgroups, including women, low-SES students, and those with demanding academic schedules.
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