Preparing for the school-to-work transition: Effects of outdoor training on self-efficacy and perceived employability in university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70478/apuntes.psi.2026.44.17Keywords:
Self-efficacy, Perceived employability, University students, Outdoor training, School-to-work transitionAbstract
Introduction. Perceived employability has been associated with several psychological resources, particularly selfefficacy. However, few studies have evaluated interventions aimed at strengthening this variable among university students.
Method. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group was conducted. Participants were 50 Andalusian university students (25 in each group), aged 17 to 24 years. The experimental group took part in a brief Outdoor Training intervention designed to enhance self-efficacy. The General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Perceived Employability Scale were administered before and after the intervention.
Results. Significant increases in self-efficacy and perceived employability were found in the experimental group, whereas the control group remained stable. Significant Time × Group interaction effects were observed for both variables. Furthermore, posttest self-efficacy was significantly associated with posttest perceived employability after controlling for baseline employability. No significant gender differences were found.
Discussion. Findings suggest that brief Outdoor Training interventions may contribute to enhancing self-efficacy and perceived employability among university students.
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