Introduction:

Student well-being is a term that encompasses the overall development and quality of life of students. It includes aspects such as physical and mental health, happiness and satisfaction, social connectedness, and future aspirations. Student well-being is important for many reasons, such as improving the academic performance, motivation, and resilience of students, as well as enhancing their personal growth, creativity, and citizenship. Self-efficacy and self-esteem are two important psychological factors that affect how students feel, think, and respond to various situations.

Self-efficacy refers to “the belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations.” (1), while, Self-esteem is “the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive.” (2). The range of both self-efficacy and self-esteem can have varying degrees of positivity on students’ well-being, depending on how they are developed and maintained.

Self-efficacy and self-esteem are positively correlated with academic achievement. Students who have high self-efficacy and self-esteem tend to have higher levels of academic performance, engagement, motivation, and persistence. They also tend to have lower levels of academic procrastination, boredom, and burnout. (3) (4). However, one cannot ignore the well-being of students. Many factors can influence the well-being of students, such as the school environment, family background, peer relationships, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms. Among these factors, two psychological constructs that have received much attention from researchers and educators are self-efficacy and self-esteem. (5)

Self-efficacy and self-esteem are influenced by various factors, such as the school climate, teacher support, peer support, parental support, feedback, goal setting, mastery experience, role models, and cultural values. These factors can either enhance or undermine the self-efficacy and self-esteem of students depending on how they are perceived and experienced by students. (6)

Conclusion: 

The effects of self-efficacy and self-esteem on students' well-being are profound and far-reaching, both in India and globally. High self-efficacy propels student to achieve their dreams, while healthy self-esteem acts as a shield against the storms of any negative events in their life including academic and personal life. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a student yourself, remember that believing in your abilities and recognizing your self-worth can be the keys to unlocking your true potential and leading a fulfilling life, no matter where you are in the world.