Impact of family functioning and academic self-efficacy on maladaptive behaviors and depressive symptoms in rural adolescents

This study examines bidirectional relationships between academic self-efficacy, family functioning, maladaptive behaviors and depressive symptoms among rural adolescents. Data were collected from 1061 rural adolescents using validated scales. Hierarchical multiple regression and bootstrap mediation analyses were employed. Results indicated that 17.53% of participants reported depressive symptoms (CESD-10 ≥ 10). Academic self-efficacy and family functioning were both negatively related to depressive symptoms. Internet addiction and academic procrastination serially mediated the relationship among them. A bidirectional inverse relationship between academic self-efficacy and family functioning was observed. Participants with low academic self-efficacy or family dysfunction exhibited higher levels of internet addiction and academic procrastination which further exacerbating their depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing academic self-efficacy and family functioning to reduce maladaptive behaviors and prevent depressive symptoms among rural adolescents.