An analysis on self-efficacy levels of adolescents from a low socioeconomic level according to their childhood traumas

In this study, the relationship between the levels of self-efficacy according to childhood traumas of adolescents from low socioeconomic levels was examined. The sample of the study consisted of 242 adolescents between the ages of 12-18, who lived in low socioeconomic level neighbourhoods in Tarsus district of Mersin province in 2019 according to variables determinant of socioeconomic level. The competency expectation scale in adolescents was used to determine the self-efficacy levels of adolescents, the childhood psychic trauma scale was used to determine childhood traumas, and the personal information form was used to determine the sociodemographic characteristics within the scope of the study. In addition, the relationship between the participants being called to the police station because they were accused, working in a job, their relationships with the mother and the father, and the variables of the study were also examined. Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and Spearman correlation analysis test were used fordata analysis. As a result, a significant difference was foundbetween expectation of competence in adolescents and childhood traumasaccording to the variables as being called to the police station for being accused, working in a job, relationships with the mother and the father. It was also found that there was a high level of reverse correlation between competency expectation and childhood traumas in adolescents having two dependent variables. In other words, the more traumatic events in childhood, the lower the levels of self-efficacy of adolescents, and the less traumatic events, the higher the levels of self-efficacy of adolescents. As the result of the study, data obtained were discussed and interpreted within the scope of the literature. In addition, suggestions have been made for individuals working in this field and for future research.