Self-control and meaning in life among Chinese young adults: The role of self-efficacy

Self-control is crucial for success in academics and careers, especially in an environment full of temptation. Although previous studies have suggested that a high level of meaning in life and self-efficacy can improve self-control, the mechanism of how meaning in life and self-efficacy affect self-control remains unclear. Guided by goal systems theory, the present study aimed to explore this mechanism in a sample of 821 Chinese young adults aged 19–40 years. Results showed that (a) females showed less presence of meaning, action self-efficacy, and coping self-efficacy, but more self-reinforcing than males; (b) both presence of meaning and search for meaning significantly and positively predicted the three components of self-control and two dimensions of self-efficacy; (c) action self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between the two dimensions of meaning in life and the three components of self-control; (d) coping self-efficacy has a negative effect on self-evaluating. Our results suggested that to enhance self-control in young adults, it is necessary to emphasize the enhancement of action self-efficacy while engaging in life-meaning education, particularly for females. •Females show less presence of meaning and self-efficacy, but more self-reinforcing.•Presence of meaning and search for meaning predict self-control and self-efficacy.•Action self-efficacy partially mediates meaning in life and self-control.•Coping self-efficacy has a negative effect on self-evaluating.