The Relationship Between General Self-Efficacy and Attitudes toward Singlehood Among University Students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Chiang, Charis En-Hui and Ong, Moon Lim The Relationship Between General Self-Efficacy and Attitudes toward Singlehood Among University Students in Klang Valley, Malaysia. General Self-Efficacy and Attitude toward Singlehood. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Research suggests that positive attitudes toward singlehood stem from self-efficacy, as confident individuals navigate social environments more effectively, enhancing solitary coping. In Malaysia, singlehood is rising among youths who value its perceived freedom over relational obligations. A quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between general self-efficacy and attitudes toward singlehood among university students in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Besides, it aimed to investigate the gender differences in attitudes toward singlehood among university students. Participants consisted of 108 university students (63 females, 45 males) from universities across Klang Valley, Malaysia who were recruited through convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods. The participants completed a survey consisting of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Attitudes toward Singlehood Scale (AtSS). Results from the Pearson Correlation Coefficient revealed that there was a significant positive relationship with a moderate effect size between general self-efficacy and attitudes towards singlehood [r(106) = .328, p < .001]. Independent Sample t-Test suggested a significant, yet relatively small, gender difference in attitudes toward singlehood, with female students (M = 47.60, SD = 10.18) showing more positive attitudes toward singlehood compared to male students (M = 43.31, SD = 11.74), t(106) = 2.03, p = .45. This study highlights the significance of enhancing self-efficacy among university students as a means of fostering more positive attitudes towards singlehood. While interventions should be open to all genders, male-targeted interventions should be emphasised to address the significantly less positive attitudes toward singlehood demonstrated by male students. Keywords: general self-efficacy, attitudes toward singlehood, university students