Influence of Psychological Variables in Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction with Life in Senior High School Students

Background: During the school years, many contextual and academic scenarios ensue that demand students mobilise their intrapersonal and social abilities. The way these situations are faced will determine the future personality of teenage students. This study aims to analyse the relationship between self-esteem and self-efficacy and the possible mediating role of satisfaction with life in secondary school students. Methods: The study comprises 816 participants, both male (N = 426; 52.20%) and female (N = 390; 47.89%) from 11 private and public secondary schools. The instruments used are the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The results reveal a gender difference in terms of self-esteem and significant correlations between the three constructs under consideration. Self-esteem is found to play a mediating role between self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Conclusion: The study reveals that self-esteem has significant influence in self-efficacy and life satisfaction in adolescents and in the mediating role that self-esteem plays in the relationship between the other two constructs. This emphasises the importance of building self-esteem towards the personal and psychological development of students.