The relationship between religious beliefs and substance abuse protection self efficacy of high school students

This study aimed to examine the relationship between high school students' religious beliefs and their self-efficacy to protect themselves from substance abuse. The necessary sample size for this cross-sectional study was determined by power analysis to be 247. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Self-Efficacy for Protecting Adolescents from Substance Abuse Scale (SEAPSAS), and the Religious Belief Scale for Adolescents (RBS-A). The data was analyzed by several statistical methods, including the independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis. Participants' scores on the RBS-A were positively and moderately associated with their scores on the Avoidance dimension of the SEAPSAS (r = 0.30; p < 0.01) and positive and weak relationships with their scores on the Avoidance Under Pressure (r = 0.27; p < 0.01) and Seeking Help (r = 0.22; p < 0.01) dimensions of the SEAPSAS. A positive, weak, and significant relationship was identified between total scores on the SEAPSAS and the RBS-A among the study's participants (r = 0.29; p < 0.01). This Study indicated that as high school students' levels of religious belief increased, so did their self-efficacy in protecting themselves from substance abuse.