An Investigation of the Relationships between Self-Efficacy and Attributional Styles in University Students

The main aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy and attributional styles among students. To achieve this goal، 363 students (205 female and 158 male) were selected using cluster random sampling. The students were studying at the humanities and technical-engineering faculties of the Islamic Azad University-East Tehran Branch in the academic year 2011-2012. The questionnaires used in the study were Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ، 1981)، General Self-Efficacy Scale (Sherer et al، 1982)، and Demographic Information Questionnaire. Pearson correlation showed that internal، persistent and general attributional styles were related to self-efficacy in positive events. The results of t test in independent groups indicated that self-efficacy was significantly different between the humanities students and engineering students. Indeed، the students of humanities had higher self-efficacy compared to the engineering students. Finally، the analysis of variance suggested that persistent and general attributional styles in negative events were significantly different between the humanities students and the engineering students. Generally، students try to identify themselves as agents of positive positions. Therefore، they will have internal، persistent and general attribution styles in the time of success. The internality of attributional styles in positive events can supply sufficient knowledge of different factors and help students in being more successful and reducing harmful factors. Moreover، it will help them understand that they can repeat success. Thus، their self-confidence and efficacy will increase. Finally، educational authorities and counselors are recommended to help students use appropriate attributions in the time of failure and success، and improve their self-efficacy.