Psychological stress has been found to be associated with a variety of ailments and health outcomes in adolescents. This study investigated the relationships between perceived stress, general self-efficacy and mental health status among Iranian male adolescents recruited from midtown high schools in Tehran who studied in 12th grade (N = 148). Pupils completed three questionnaires for assessing perceived stress (PSS-14; Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983), general self-efficacy (GSE; Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995) and psychological well-being (GHQ-28; Goldberg & Hillier, 1979). Statistical analysis revealed that greater stress was associated with lower general self-efficacy and lower mental health status. A significant inverse relationship between self-efficacy and general health was found among these students. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for effective mental health education (e.g., stress management training) for adolescents.

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This study examined relationships between self-control status and substance abuse and substance abuse-related behaviors. Male high school students (N=183) completed a questionnaire assessing self-control, resistance self-efficacy, behavioral intention not to use drugs, and negative attitudes toward drug use, and substance abuse-related behaviors. Students with poor self-control reported that they had used drugs and smoked to a significant extent; they also experienced pressure from their peers to use drugs and smoke. Students with poor self-control reported being exposed to violence from parents and tended to avoid school. A significantly inverse relationship between poor self-control, intention, and attitudes towards drug abuse was found among these students. Adolescents with poor self-control are vulnerable to substance abuse and social self-control training skills are relevant in substance abuse prevention programs.