Examination of Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Stress as Predictors of Psychological and Physical Distress among Hispanic College Students

Abstract

Social and cognitive factors were investigated to determine whether self-efficacy and social support moderate the relationship between stress, andphysical andpsychological distress among Hispanic college students. A total of 164 Mexican American and Latin American undergraduates were surveyed (51% response rate). Self-efficacy and social support combined to account for 33% of the variance in college adjustment, with self-efficacy providing the largest contribution (R2Change 27%o). Hispanic students who perceived social support was available had lower distress ratings than students who perceived social support was less available, and social support wasfound to moderate the relationship between stress and distress. The complete regression model that included stress, self-efficacy, social support, acculturation, and gender accountedfor 46% of the variance in college distress.