The influence of Social Capital on Psychosexual Health of adolescents in China - the mediating role of Psychological Capital and Self-efficacy

Abstract

Abstract Background Adolescents experience rapid physical and bodily development during adolescence, which also brings about psychological development, especially the development of secondary sexual characteristics, which brings about psychosexual development and many psychological conflicts.The study integrates research on the individual level (positive capital and self-efficacy) and the environmental level (social capital) influences on adolescent psychosexual health, and investigated the mediating role of psychological capital and self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationships between Social Capital and Psychosexual Health in China. Methods In the context of a cross-sectional descriptive study, our research undertook an examination of the educational context in China, specifically focusing on middle and high school programs. The study involved the participation of 7910 students, ranging in age from 12 to 19 years. Of this cohort, 3947 individuals were identified as female, representing 49.9% of the total sample, while the remaining 3963 were male, accounting for the remaining 50.1%.This research used a social capital questionnaire, a psychological capital scale, a self-efficacy scale and a psychosexual health questionnaire. Subsequently, we conducted an analysis of the collected data utilizing SPSS and AMOS, employing a range of analytical techniques including descriptive tests, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling. Results It was found that social capital, psychological capital, and self-efficacy have a positive influence on adolescents' psychosexual health; psychological capital, and self-efficacy have a mediating role in the development of social capital and adolescents' psychosexual health. Conclusion The study underscored the significant positive impact of social capital, psychological capital, and self-efficacy on the psychosexual health of adolescents. This comprehensive exploration enhances our understanding of the multifaceted dynamics shaping adolescent psychosexual development, shedding light on the importance of both individual and environmental factors in promoting their well-being during this critical phase of life.