Banca de DEFESA: ITALO DA COSTA CAPISTRANO

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ITALO DA COSTA CAPISTRANO
DATE: 08/09/2026
TIME: 15:00
LOCAL: Instituto de Educação
TITLE:

Hopelessness among University Students in the State of Rio de Janeiro: The Protective Role of Life Skills, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Control over Life

KEY WORDS:

hopelessness; life skills; perceived self-efficacy; perceived control over life; university students.

PAGES: 127
BIG AREA: Ciências Humanas
AREA: Psicologia
SUBÁREA: Tratamento e Prevenção Psicológica
SPECIALTY: Treinamento e Reabilitação
SUMMARY:

Entering and remaining in higher education is often accompanied by academic, social, and emotional challenges, making hopelessness a significant phenomenon for understanding psychological distress among university students. In this context, life skills, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived control over life have been identified as psychological resources linked to adaptation and coping with adversity. This study aimed to investigate the influence of these resources on levels of hopelessness among university students in the state of Rio de Janeiro. It was an empirical, quantitative study with a descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional design, conducted with 232 university students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, group comparison tests, correlational analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Negative associations were identified between hopelessness and perceived self-efficacy (r = −0.221; p < 0.001), perceived control over life (r = −0.198; p = 0.002), and life skills (r = −0.320; p < 0.001), with the latter showing the strongest association. No statistically significant differences were observed based on gender, whereas age, employment status, and type of institution showed varying results across some of the variables investigated. In the SEM analysis, life skills exerted a positive influence on perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.85) and perceived control over life (β = 0.41), as well as a negative influence on hopelessness (β = −0.44). Overall, the results highlight the central role of life skills in the model investigated, particularly due to their positive influence on perceived self-efficacy and perceived control over life, and their negative influence on hopelessness. The findings broaden the integrated understanding of psychosocial resources related to hopelessness and provide a basis for future research and mental health promotion strategies in higher education.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interno - ***.431.806-** - MARCOS AGUIAR DE SOUZA - UFRJ
Interna - ***.841.587-** - VALERIA MARQUES DE OLIVEIRA - UFRRJ
Externa à Instituição - MARIA AUXILIADORA SALCEDO GIOLO