The Combined Mediating Effects of Student Engagement and Academic Resilience on the Relationship Between Social Support and Self-Efficacy of Senior High School Students

Abstract

This study investigated the combined mediating effects of student engagement and academic resilience on the relationship between social support and self-efficacy. Using a quantitative, non-experimental correlational design, data were collected from 420 public Senior High School students across eight school divisions (South Cotabato, General Santos City, Sarangani, Koronadal City, Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Tacurong City, and Sultan Kudarat) in Region XII, Philippines. The study employed a stratified random sampling, specifically a proportional allocation technique, and survey methodology using adapted survey questionnaires that underwent reliability and validity testing using Cronbach’s alpha. Further, this descriptive study employed statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product-Moment correlation, and path analysis. Results revealed high levels of all four variables: social support, student engagement, academic resilience, and self-efficacy. Moreover, social support, academic resilience, and student engagement demonstrated positive correlations with self-efficacy. Path analysis showed that social support has a significant total effect on students’ self-efficacy, primarily through direct effect. However, the indirect effect, representing the combined mediating effects of student engagement and academic resilience, was not statistically significant. Findings of this study indicated that the pathways through student engagement and academic resilience do not significantly explain the relationship between social support and self-efficacy. Hence, the results suggested that the primary mechanism by which social support affects self-efficacy is through direct influence, with limited evidence for a combined mediation occurring in this model. Lastly, the study contributed to understanding self-efficacy in academic settings and provided practical implications for Senior High school students, teachers, and school administration.