The Relationship Between Academic Perfectionism and Self-Efficacy: An Investigation on Students of The Faculty of Sport Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between academic perfectionism and self-efficacy beliefs of students in the faculty of sport sciences. Data were collected through two validated instruments: the Academic Perfectionism Scale developed by Odacı et al. (2017), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale originally developed by Sherer et al. and later adapted into Turkish by Yıldırım and İlhan (2010). The Academic Perfectionism Scale consists of three sub-dimensions, namely self-doubt, comparison, and idealization, while the General Self-Efficacy Scale includes initiation, perseverance, and maintenance efforts as its sub-dimensions. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between academic perfectionism and self-efficacy levels. Specifically, higher levels of self-doubt and comparison were associated with lower levels of self-efficacy, whereas students with strong self-efficacy beliefs were found to be more resilient, persistent, and motivated when facing challenges. These results are in line with previous studies suggesting that adaptive perfectionism may strengthen self-confidence and motivation, while maladaptive perfectionism leads to procrastination, self-sabotage, and increased anxiety. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between academic perfectionism and self-efficacy among university students, particularly those in sport sciences. Recognizing this relationship may contribute to the development of educational strategies that not only enhance academic achievement but also support students’ psychological well-being. Encouraging students to set realistic goals, view mistakes as a natural part of learning, and direct self-criticism in a constructive manner can help foster a healthier balance between academic performance and personal growth.

Keywords

• Academic perfectionism
• self-efficacy
• scale
• student achievement
• psychological well-being

Akademik Mükemmeliyetçilik ve Öz Yeterlik İlişkisi: Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi Öğrencileri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Öz

Bu çalışmanın amacı, spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin akademik mükemmeliyetçilikleri ile öz-yeterlik inançları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Veriler, geçerliği sağlanmış iki ölçme aracıyla toplanmıştır: Odacı ve ark. (2017) tarafından geliştirilen Akademik Mükemmeliyetçilik Ölçeği ile, Sherer ve ark. tarafından geliştirilen ve Yıldırım ile İlhan (2010) tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan Genel Öz-Yeterlik Ölçeği. Akademik Mükemmeliyetçilik Ölçeği kendinden şüphe, karşılaştırma ve idealleştirme olmak üzere üç alt boyuttan oluşurken, Genel Öz-Yeterlik Ölçeği başlatma, yılmama (sebat) ve sürdürme çabası alt boyutlarını içermektedir. Bulgular, akademik mükemmeliyetçilik ile öz-yeterlik düzeyleri arasında anlamlı ve negatif bir korelasyon olduğunu göstermiştir. Özellikle, kendinden şüphe ve karşılaştırma düzeyi arttıkça öz-yeterlik düzeyinin azaldığı; buna karşılık öz-yeterlik inancı güçlü olan öğrencilerin zorluklarla karşılaştıklarında daha dirençli, ısrarcı ve motive oldukları bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlar, uyumlu mükemmeliyetçiliğin öz güven ve motivasyonu güçlendirebileceğini, uyumsuz mükemmeliyetçiliğin ise erteleme, öz sabotaj ve artan kaygıya yol açtığını öne süren önceki çalışmalarla tutarlıdır. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma, özellikle spor bilimleri alanındaki üniversite öğrencileri arasında akademik mükemmeliyetçilik ile öz-yeterlik arasındaki etkileşimin anlaşılmasının önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu ilişkinin tanınması, yalnızca akademik başarıyı artırmakla kalmayıp öğrencilerin psikolojik iyi oluşunu da destekleyecek eğitim stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayabilir. Öğrencilerin gerçekçi hedefler belirlemeye teşvik edilmesi, hataları öğrenmenin doğal bir parçası olarak görmelerinin sağlanması ve öz eleştirinin yapıcı biçimde yönlendirilmesi, akademik performans ile kişisel gelişim arasında daha sağlıklı bir dengenin kurulmasına yardımcı olabilir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Akademik mükemmeliyetçilik
• öz yeterlik
• ölçek
• öğrenci başarısı
• psikolojik iyi oluş

Kaynakça

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