Problem solving, self-efficacy, and mental health in adolescents: Assessing the mediating role of assertiveness

This study investigated the direct and indirect effects of problem solving and self-efficacy on mental health in adolescents. Participants were 914 students (428 boys, 486 girls) in first grade of high school. They were asked to complete the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE; Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995), the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI; Heppner & Petersen, 1982), the Gambrill-Richey Assertion Inventory (GRAI; Gambrill & Richey, 1975), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28; Goldberg, 1972). Results revealed that self-efficacy and problem solving were the direct and indirect predictors of mental health. Assertiveness was mediated on the relationship between self-efficacy and problem solving with mental health. The findings of this study provided evidence for the mediating mechanisms through which assertiveness mediated the relationships between self-efficacy and problem solving with mental health. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the 2nd World Conference on Psychology, Counselling and guidance.