Investigation of the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Academic Enthusiasm among Operating Room Technology Students

Self-efficacy holds significant motivational effects. Individuals with high self-efficacy demonstrate better adaptation and engage in activities that enhance their performance and capabilities. This study aimed to determine the correlation between self-efficacy and academic enthusiasm among operating room technology students in Khuzestan Province.

This descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2021 on 225 operating room technology students using stratified sampling. Data was collected through self-report questionnaires including the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES) and the Academic Enthusiasm Questionnaire developed by Fredriks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 and descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

Based on the results, the mean scores for self-efficacy (105.05) and academic enthusiasm (46.28) among operating room technology students were above average. A significant positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of academic enthusiasm in all academic years except the fourth year (P < 0.05). Results by city indicated that the highest self-efficacy belonged to students from Abadan University of Medical Sciences, followed by Shushtar, Ahvaz, Behbahan, and Dezful. Additionally, the highest academic enthusiasm was reported among students from Dezful, Ahvaz, Shushtar, Abadan, and Behbahan.

Given that the self-efficacy and academic enthusiasm scores of operating room technology students are above average, it is recommended that relevant authorities develop practical plans to further enhance self-efficacy and academic enthusiasm with the aim of strengthening self-efficacy skills and addressing factors leading to decreased academic motivation.