The Role of Psychological Hardiness and Self-Efficacy in Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression among Legal Migrants

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of psychological hardiness and self-efficacy in symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression among legal migrants. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 390 legal migrants residing in Gorgan, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table using convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires on psychological hardiness, general self-efficacy, GAD symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Data analysis was performed in SPSS-27 using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with the significance level set at 0.01. Results showed significant negative correlations between psychological hardiness and GAD (r = -0.47, p < 0.01) and depression (r = -0.53, p < 0.01). Self-efficacy was also negatively correlated with GAD (r = -0.42, p < 0.01) and depression (r = -0.49, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that psychological hardiness (β = -0.36, p < 0.01) and self-efficacy (β = -0.29, p < 0.01) were significant negative predictors of GAD symptoms, and both were also significant negative predictors of depressive symptoms (β = -0.41 and β = -0.33, respectively, p < 0.01). The findings highlight psychological hardiness and self-efficacy as key protective factors against anxiety and depression in legal migrants. Enhancing these psychological resources can be considered an effective strategy for promoting mental health in this vulnerable group.