Vidhu Mohan, and Sandeep Kumar,
Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab
Pages:394-402
The present study examined the relationship between HPBs and self-efficacy among
adolescents and tested gender as a potential moderator in this relationship. It further
assessed gender differences across HPB dimensions and self-efficacy. A correlational
research design was employed with a purposive sample of 224 adolescents (152 females,
72 males; aged 15–19 years) from colleges in Patiala, Punjab (India). Findings show
that self-efficacy was found to be positively correlated with all HPB dimensions.
Regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy significantly predicted overall HPBs
explaining 25% of the variance. Gender alone was not a significant predictor nor did it
moderate the relationship between self-efficacy and HPBs. Males scored significantly
higher on health responsibility, physical activity and nutrition (t = 3.03, p < .01), while
no gender differences were observed for other HPB domains or self-efficacy. The findings
shed light on the importance of enhancing adolescents’ self-efficacy through schoolbased
health education and psychosocial skill training. The present study adds culture
specific insights to global research on health promoting behaviours among adolescents