Relationship between Stage of Change and Self-Efficacy for Stress Management Behavior in Korean University Students

Abstract

This study was conducted for two purposes. The first purpose was to develop a Korean language version of Pro-Change’s self-efficacy measure for stress management behavior (PSSM). The second purpose was to examine the relationship between stage of change and self-efficacy for stress management behavior in Korean college students. For the purposes of this study, stress management behavior was defined as activities meant to reduce perceived stress, such as regular relaxation, physical activity, talking with others, and/or engaging in social activity. The total number of participants was 228 male and 517 female college students. Questionnaires on the stage of change and self-efficacy for stress management behavior, and depressive mood were administered to the participants. The questionnaire on self-efficacy was administered again after an interval of two weeks. Through a series of factor analyses, the Korean language version of the PSSM was developed with acceptable reliability and it consisted of 9 items. Self-efficacy was inversely related to depressive mood as expected, supporting validity of the Korea language version of the PSSM. Self-efficacy was significantly higher in the maintenance than in the other stages, supporting partially the application of the transtheoretical model to stress management behavior in Korean university students.