Development of Self-Efficacy and Coping Skills in Undergraduate Students of a Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM Program

• In Event: Determinants and Influences of Psychosocial Factors in College Success

Abstract

In this paper, we present data regarding self-efficacy beliefs and coping skills of undergraduate students participating in an ongoing HSI-STEM Program in Puerto Rico. The General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Coping Skills Inventory were administered before and after activities and interventions developed by the Program. Group mean scores for Self-Efficacy and three coping subscales appear to improve in the post-test. Repeated measures t-test show statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy (t = 1.41, p = <0.001), but only 4 coping subscales point estimates of the mean differences are observed in the expected direction. Results of this research may help develop targeted strategies to promote socioemotional skills in other minority students in similar contexts.

Authors

• Nilda G. Medina, Universidad Ana G Mendez Carolina Campus

• Ruth Y Cruz, Universidad Ana G Mendez

• Manuel Gonzalez, Uiversidad Ana G Mendez