Investigating the effect Locus of Control, Irrational Beliefs and Self-Efficacy have on Anxiety levels of University Students

Empirical research findings have demonstrated the extremely high prevalence of mental health problems in university students. Such findings have reported anxiety as being one of the most common psychological problems experienced by university students. A convincing amount of literature highlighted the effect efficacy, personal control and irrational beliefs had on anxiety levels of clinical and non-clinical samples. Yet, there was a dearth of research examining the unique role locus of control, self-efficacy and irrational beliefs had on anxiety levels of university students. Thus, the primary aim of the current study sought to investigate the effect locus of control, self-efficacy and irrational beliefs had on anxiety levels of university students. The current sample consisted of 120 university students including 44 males and 76 females. The following measures were used; Beck Anxiety Scale, Rotter’s Locus of Control scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Exam Belief Scale. Data was analysed using Standard Multiple Regression Analyses. Statistical analyses revealed that locus of control and self-efficacy were significant predictors of anxiety levels of university students. Irrational beliefs did not have a significant impact on university student’s anxiety levels. In the final analyses, the model explained 52% of variance. The prevalence of anxiety in the current sample demonstrated high levels of anxiety among university students. Interestingly, self-efficacy was found to be the highest predictor of anxiety levels.