The stress process, self-efficacy expectations, and psychological health

In this study the effects of the stress process after a stressful encounter, that is an examination period, on university students' psychological health, as well as certain factors that play a significant role in this relationship are being examined. Two hundred and ninety-one (291) students at the University of Athens participated in our study. They completed a series of questionnaires concerning (a) psychological symptoms; (b) self-efficacy expectations; (c) threat, challenge and stakes; (d) coping strategies, and (e) a cognitive self-schema concerning personal examination abilities. The questionnaires were completed in three phases: three months and one week before an examination period, and one week after completion of this period. According to the findings, psychological symptoms are predicted by prior health, appraisal variables, and certain coping strategies. Self-efficacy expectations play a significant role in shaping threat, challenge, and stakes. These appraisal categories in turn exert influence upon psychological health, even after controlling for prior psychological health and coping strategies. Self-efficacy serves as the key variable in the appraisal process, as well as a mediator between inner cognitive structures and stress outcomes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.