Exploring graduate occupational and physical therapy students’ approaches to studying, self-efficacy, and positive mental health

Abstract

Abstract Background Occupational and physical therapy academic programs are rigorous. Increased rates of student anxiety and depression may impact learning. Data on student study skills, self-efficacy, and mental health is limited. This study explored relationships between students’ self-efficacy, mental health factors, and approaches to studying. Method A cross-sectional study was designed. Seventy-three students completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students-Short Form, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Associations between predictors (education program, general self-efficacy and mental health) and ratings on the study approach scales were analyzed with multiple linear regression. Results Multiple regression models revealed associations between higher self-efficacy and higher ratings on the deep (β = 0.49, p <  0.01) and strategic (β = 0.34, p <  0.05) scales, and lower ratings on the surface scale (β = − 0.29, p <  0.01). Compared to OT students, PT students had higher surface approach ratings (β = − 0.36, p <  0.001). Poorer mental health scores were associated with higher surface approach ratings (β = − 0.41, p < 0.001). Conclusions To support productive study strategies among occupational and physical therapy students it may be useful to promote their general self-efficacy and positive mental health.