Academic self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation and composite attainment score

John L. Perry, Martin Dempster, Michael T. McKay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A developing literature continues to testify to the relationship between higher socio-economic status (SES) and better academic attainment. However, the literature is complex in terms of the variety of SES and attainment indicators used. Against the backdrop of a Scottish Government initiative to close the attainment gap between higher and lower SES children, the present study examined the relationship between individual-level Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and National Lower Tariff Score in school children in the West of Scotland. Results showed a practically significant relationship between SIMD and Tariff Score. This relationship was partially mediated by higher academic self-efficacy, so that higher belief in academic competency partially mediated the SIMD-Tariff Score relationship. Further, this partial mediation was robust to the influence of gender, sensation seeking, level of school attendance and past month frequency of Heavy Episodic Drinking. It is suggested that increasing attendance and perceived academic competence are viable ways (among others) of attempting to close the attainment gap.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1899
Pages (from-to)1899
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume8
Issue numberNOV
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Nov 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Academic self-efficacy
  • Attainment
  • Heavy episodic drinking
  • School attendance
  • Scotland
  • Tariff Score

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