Influence of Academic Self-Efficacy towards Optimism among Students in Integrated Schools

Academic self-efficacy refers to a student’s belief in their ability to accomplish academic tasks and succeed in school. This belief can influence students’ motivation and positive outlook toward learning. However, the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic optimism among Filipino junior high school students in integrated schools has not been widely explored. This study aimed to examine the influence of academic self-efficacy on academic optimism and to determine whether selected respondent characteristics moderate this relationship. Specifically, it described the respondents’ characteristics in terms of sex, family income, parents’ educational attainment, and technology usage; determined their levels of academic self-efficacy and academic optimism; examined the influence of academic self-efficacy on academic optimism; and tested the moderating effects of respondent characteristics. The study used a quantitative descriptive-correlational design with moderation analysis. It involved 151 Grade 9 students from selected integrated schools in Opol Districts, Misamis Oriental during the School Year 2025–2026 using total enumeration sampling. Data were collected through adapted questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and moderation analysis. The results showed that the respondents had high levels of academic self-efficacy and academic optimism. Regression analysis revealed that all dimensions of academic self-efficacy significantly influenced students’ academic optimism. Moderation analysis also showed that sex, family income, parents’ educational attainment, and technology usage significantly influenced the relationship between academic self-efficacy and optimism. These findings indicate that students who believe in their abilities are more likely to trust their teachers, value academic goals, and feel connected to their school. The study concludes that academic self-efficacy plays an important role in developing academic optimism. Schools are encouraged to strengthen students’ confidence in learning, provide supportive environments, and promote responsible technology use to improve students’ motivation and positive attitudes toward school.