A Self-Efficacy Intervention to Improve Social Skills of Junior High School Students: A Systematic Review of 1 Decade
Abstract
Social skills are an important aspect of the development of junior high school students, which are often hampered by low self-efficacy, affecting communication skills, social interaction, and conflict resolution. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-efficacy-based interventions in improving the social skills of junior high school students over the past decade (2013–2023). This study used a systematic review method with PRISMA guidance, including 28 studies that met the inclusion criteria, such as quasi-experimental research designs, valid and reliable instruments, and the population of junior high school students. Data were analyzed using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis to calculate the combined effects of self-efficacy interventions on social skills. The results showed that the self-efficacy intervention significantly improved students' self-efficacy, which had a positive impact on improving communication (+18%), social interaction (+15%), and conflict resolution ability (+20%). This intervention has also been shown to be effective in reducing social anxiety and bullying behavior by up to 25%. A holistic approach involving small group training programs and the integration of experiential learning showed superior results over other methods. The unique contribution of this study is its comprehensive scope, including the evaluation of moderation factors such as the duration of the intervention, participant characteristics, and the sustainability of the results. The study also highlighted the success of the intervention in specific subgroups, such as students with autism spectrum, which was previously underdiscussed. These findings offer new insights to develop more effective, directed, and inclusive self-efficacy-based intervention programs in supporting the social and emotional development of junior high school students.
References
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Ayar, D., Bektas, M., Bektas, I., Sal Altan, S., & Ayar, U. (2019). Effects of adolescents’ self-efficacy and social anxiety on attitudes toward pros and cons of smoking. Journal of Substance Use, 24(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2018.1459899
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Guo, S.-E., Chen, M.-Y., Okoli, C., & Chiang, Y.-F. (2022). Effectiveness of Smoking Prevention Programs on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Anti-Smoking Exposure Self-Efficacy among Non-Smoking Rural Seventh-Grade Students in Taiwan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9767. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159767
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He, M., Yang, Z., & Zeng, L. (2016). The Sense of Self-Efficacy Research on Junior High School Students of Different Temperament Types. Advances in Psychology, 06, 664–669. https://doi.org/10.12677/AP.2016.66086
Honicke, T., & Broadbent, J. (2016). The influence of academic self-efficacy on academic performance: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 17, 63–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2015.11.002
Hwang, M. H., Choi, H. C., Lee, A., Culver, J. D., & Hutchison, B. (2016). The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement: A 5-Year Panel Analysis. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 25(1), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-015-0236-3
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Khoirunikmah, B., Marmoah, S., & Indriayu, M. (2023). THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL SKILLS ON STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES WITH SELF-EFFICACY AS A MODERATING VARIABLE. The Third International Conference on Innovations in Social Sciences Education and Engineering (ICoISSEE)-3.
Kudo, H., & Mori, K. (2015). A Preliminary Study of Increasing Self-Efficacy in Junior High School Students: Induced Success and a Vicarious Experience. Psychological Reports, 117(2), 631–642. https://doi.org/10.2466/11.07.PR0.117c22z4
Laugeson, E. A., Ellingsen, R., Sanderson, J., Tucci, L., & Bates, S. (2014). The ABC’s of Teaching Social Skills to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom: The UCLA PEERS ® Program. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2244–2256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2108-8
Li, C., & Phongsatha, T. (2022). Satisfaction and continuance intention of blended learning from perspective of junior high school students in the directly-entering-socialism ethnic communities of China. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0270939. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270939
Li, J., Wang, C., Zhao, Y., & Li, Y. (2023). Boosting Learners’ Confidence in Learning English: Can Self‐Efficacy‐Based Intervention Make a Difference? TESOL Quarterly, tesq.3292. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3292
Littell, J. H., Corcoran, J., & Pillai, V. K. (2008). Systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Oxford University Press.
Lodder, G. M. A., Goossens, L., Scholte, R. H. J., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Verhagen, M. (2016). Adolescent Loneliness and Social Skills: Agreement and Discrepancies Between Self-, Meta-, and Peer-Evaluations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 45(12), 2406–2416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0461-y
M, A., W, W., & A, S. (2017). Enhancement of Self Efficacy of Vocational School Students in Buffer Solution Topics through Guided Inquiry Learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895, 012118. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012118
Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., & Stewart, L. A. (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Systematic Reviews, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-4-1
Mulu, M., Iku, P. F., Lazar, F. L., & Jediut, M. (2023). Self Efficacy: A View from Junior High School Students and Its Gender Interaction. Journal of Educational Science and Technology (EST), 9(2), 150. https://doi.org/10.26858/est.v9i1.48373
Muris, P., Meesters, C., Pierik, A., & De Kock, B. (2016). Good for the Self: Self-Compassion and Other Self-Related Constructs in Relation to Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Non-clinical Youths. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(2), 607–617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0235-2
Noer, S. H., Gunowibowo, P., & Triana, M. (2020). Improving students’ reflective thinking skills and self-efficacy through scientific learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1581(1), 012036. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1581/1/012036
Pellerone, M., Martinez Torvisco, J., Razza, S. G., Lo Piccolo, A., Guarnera, M., La Rosa, V. L., & Commodari, E. (2023). Relational Competence, School Adjustment and Emotional Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Group of Junior and High School Students of the Sicilian Hinterland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2182. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032182
Puozzo, associated, & Audrin, C. (2021). Improving self-efficacy and creative self-efficacy to foster creativity and learning in schools. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 42, 100966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100966
Ren, X., Jing, B., Li, H., & Wu, C. (2022). The impact of perceived teacher support on Chinese junior high school students’ academic self-efficacy: The mediating roles of achievement goals and academic emotions. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1028722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1028722
Triantoro, S. (2013). Effects of Self-Efficacy on Students’ Academic Performance. Journal of Educational, Health and Community Psychology, 2, 19–25.
Ullah, N., Shakir, M., & Zafar, J. M. (2019). Correlation of Students’ Self-efficacy, Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Intention. Global Social Sciences Review, IV(III), 140–147. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).18
Van Dinther, M., Dochy, F., & Segers, M. (2011). Factors affecting students’ self-efficacy in higher education. Educational Research Review, 6(2), 95–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2010.10.003
Wilde, N., & Hsu, A. (2019). The influence of general self-efficacy on the interpretation of vicarious experience information within online learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0158-x
Yasa, I. K. D., & Pudjawan, K. (2020). Peningkatan Efikasi Diri Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Kelas IV SD Melalui Model Pembelajaran Numbered Head Together. 8(3).
Yüksel, M. (2013). An Investigation of Social Behaviors of Primary School Children in terms of Their Grade, Learning Disability and Intelligence Potential. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 13, 781–790.
Zarei, A., Makvandi, B., Ehtesham Zadeh, P., & Bavi, S. (2022). The Effectiveness of Empathy and Problem-Solving Skills Training on Social Self-efficacy and Mental Security of High School Boys. International Clinical Neuroscience Journal, 9(1), e17–e17. https://doi.org/10.34172/icnj.2022.17
Zyromski, B., Dimmitt, C., Mariani, M., & Griffith, C. (2018). Evidence-Based School Counseling: Models for Integrated Practice and School Counselor Education. Professional School Counseling, 22, 2156759X1880184. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X18801847
Akhsania, K., Basuki, T., Sugiharto, D., & Japar, M. (2021). Students’ Career Understanding and Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy in Junior High School. Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal, 4, 12–20. https://doi.org/10.25217/igcj.v4i1.950
Anjaswarni, T., Nursalam, N., Widati, S., Yusuf, Ah., & Tristiana, R. D. (2021). Development of a self-efficacy model in junior and senior high school students based on religiosity and family determinants: A cross sectional approach. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 33(5), 20190023. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2019-0023
Ayar, D., Bektas, M., Bektas, I., Sal Altan, S., & Ayar, U. (2019). Effects of adolescents’ self-efficacy and social anxiety on attitudes toward pros and cons of smoking. Journal of Substance Use, 24(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2018.1459899
Burger, K., & Samuel, R. (2016). The Role of Perceived Stress and Self-Efficacy in Young People’s Life Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46(1), 78–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0608-x
Coros, J. D., & Madrigal, D. V. (2021). Self-Directed Learning, Self-Efficacy in Learning, and Academic Motivation of Public Senior High School Students. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 19–34. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2021/v21i230503
Durlak, Joseph. A., Domitrovich, C. E., Weissberg, R. P., & Gullotta, T. P. (2015). Handbook of social and emotional learning: Research and practice. The Guilford Press.
Elahi, S., Amraei, K., Yazdani, J., Abderahim, H., & Souri, H. (2011). The relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement in high school students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 765–768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.180
Fakhrou, A., & Habib, L. H. (2021). The Relationship between Academic Self-efficacy and Academic Achievement in Students of the Department of Special Education. International Journal of Higher Education, 11(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v11n2p1
Fu, W., Li, Y., Liu, Y., Li, D., Wang, G., Liu, Y., Zhang, T., & Zheng, Y. (2023). The influence of different physical exercise amounts on learning burnout in adolescents: The mediating effect of self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1089570. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1089570
Gresham, F. M., Elliott, S. N., Metallo, S., Byrd, S., Wilson, E., & Cassidy, K. (2018). Cross‐informant agreement of children’s social‐emotional skills: An investigation of ratings by teachers, parents, and students from a nationally representative sample. Psychology in the Schools, 55(2), 208–223. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22101
Guo, S.-E., Chen, M.-Y., Okoli, C., & Chiang, Y.-F. (2022). Effectiveness of Smoking Prevention Programs on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Anti-Smoking Exposure Self-Efficacy among Non-Smoking Rural Seventh-Grade Students in Taiwan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9767. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159767
Harrell-Williams, L. M., Raines, T. C., Kamphaus, R. W., & Dever, B. V. (2015). Psychometric analysis of the BASC–2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) student form: Results from high school student samples. Psychological Assessment, 27(2), 738–743. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000079
He, M., Yang, Z., & Zeng, L. (2016). The Sense of Self-Efficacy Research on Junior High School Students of Different Temperament Types. Advances in Psychology, 06, 664–669. https://doi.org/10.12677/AP.2016.66086
Honicke, T., & Broadbent, J. (2016). The influence of academic self-efficacy on academic performance: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 17, 63–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2015.11.002
Hwang, M. H., Choi, H. C., Lee, A., Culver, J. D., & Hutchison, B. (2016). The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement: A 5-Year Panel Analysis. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 25(1), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-015-0236-3
Jhang, F.-H. (2019). Life Satisfaction Trajectories of Junior High School Students in Poverty: Exploring the Role of Self‐efficacy and Social Support. Journal of Adolescence, 75(1), 85–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.07.011
Khoirunikmah, B., Marmoah, S., & Indriayu, M. (2023). THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL SKILLS ON STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES WITH SELF-EFFICACY AS A MODERATING VARIABLE. The Third International Conference on Innovations in Social Sciences Education and Engineering (ICoISSEE)-3.
Kudo, H., & Mori, K. (2015). A Preliminary Study of Increasing Self-Efficacy in Junior High School Students: Induced Success and a Vicarious Experience. Psychological Reports, 117(2), 631–642. https://doi.org/10.2466/11.07.PR0.117c22z4
Laugeson, E. A., Ellingsen, R., Sanderson, J., Tucci, L., & Bates, S. (2014). The ABC’s of Teaching Social Skills to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom: The UCLA PEERS ® Program. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2244–2256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2108-8
Li, C., & Phongsatha, T. (2022). Satisfaction and continuance intention of blended learning from perspective of junior high school students in the directly-entering-socialism ethnic communities of China. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0270939. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270939
Li, J., Wang, C., Zhao, Y., & Li, Y. (2023). Boosting Learners’ Confidence in Learning English: Can Self‐Efficacy‐Based Intervention Make a Difference? TESOL Quarterly, tesq.3292. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3292
Littell, J. H., Corcoran, J., & Pillai, V. K. (2008). Systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Oxford University Press.
Lodder, G. M. A., Goossens, L., Scholte, R. H. J., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Verhagen, M. (2016). Adolescent Loneliness and Social Skills: Agreement and Discrepancies Between Self-, Meta-, and Peer-Evaluations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 45(12), 2406–2416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0461-y
M, A., W, W., & A, S. (2017). Enhancement of Self Efficacy of Vocational School Students in Buffer Solution Topics through Guided Inquiry Learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895, 012118. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012118
Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., & Stewart, L. A. (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Systematic Reviews, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-4-1
Mulu, M., Iku, P. F., Lazar, F. L., & Jediut, M. (2023). Self Efficacy: A View from Junior High School Students and Its Gender Interaction. Journal of Educational Science and Technology (EST), 9(2), 150. https://doi.org/10.26858/est.v9i1.48373
Muris, P., Meesters, C., Pierik, A., & De Kock, B. (2016). Good for the Self: Self-Compassion and Other Self-Related Constructs in Relation to Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Non-clinical Youths. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(2), 607–617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0235-2
Noer, S. H., Gunowibowo, P., & Triana, M. (2020). Improving students’ reflective thinking skills and self-efficacy through scientific learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1581(1), 012036. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1581/1/012036
Pellerone, M., Martinez Torvisco, J., Razza, S. G., Lo Piccolo, A., Guarnera, M., La Rosa, V. L., & Commodari, E. (2023). Relational Competence, School Adjustment and Emotional Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Group of Junior and High School Students of the Sicilian Hinterland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2182. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032182
Puozzo, associated, & Audrin, C. (2021). Improving self-efficacy and creative self-efficacy to foster creativity and learning in schools. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 42, 100966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100966
Ren, X., Jing, B., Li, H., & Wu, C. (2022). The impact of perceived teacher support on Chinese junior high school students’ academic self-efficacy: The mediating roles of achievement goals and academic emotions. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1028722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1028722
Triantoro, S. (2013). Effects of Self-Efficacy on Students’ Academic Performance. Journal of Educational, Health and Community Psychology, 2, 19–25.
Ullah, N., Shakir, M., & Zafar, J. M. (2019). Correlation of Students’ Self-efficacy, Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Intention. Global Social Sciences Review, IV(III), 140–147. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).18
Van Dinther, M., Dochy, F., & Segers, M. (2011). Factors affecting students’ self-efficacy in higher education. Educational Research Review, 6(2), 95–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2010.10.003
Wilde, N., & Hsu, A. (2019). The influence of general self-efficacy on the interpretation of vicarious experience information within online learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0158-x
Yasa, I. K. D., & Pudjawan, K. (2020). Peningkatan Efikasi Diri Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Kelas IV SD Melalui Model Pembelajaran Numbered Head Together. 8(3).
Yüksel, M. (2013). An Investigation of Social Behaviors of Primary School Children in terms of Their Grade, Learning Disability and Intelligence Potential. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 13, 781–790.
Zarei, A., Makvandi, B., Ehtesham Zadeh, P., & Bavi, S. (2022). The Effectiveness of Empathy and Problem-Solving Skills Training on Social Self-efficacy and Mental Security of High School Boys. International Clinical Neuroscience Journal, 9(1), e17–e17. https://doi.org/10.34172/icnj.2022.17
Zyromski, B., Dimmitt, C., Mariani, M., & Griffith, C. (2018). Evidence-Based School Counseling: Models for Integrated Practice and School Counselor Education. Professional School Counseling, 22, 2156759X1880184. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X18801847
Authors
Pranowo, T. A., & Halik, A. (2025). A Self-Efficacy Intervention to Improve Social Skills of Junior High School Students: A Systematic Review of 1 Decade. Buletin Konseling Inovatif, 5(1), 50–59. https://doi.org/10.17977/um059v5i12025p50-59
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