Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Predicting Anxiety in Female Students Based on Mindfulness and Social Self-Efficacy: A Multilayer Perceptron Model

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Maryam Mombeini 1
Belgheis Beit Mashal* 2
1 Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, So.C., Islamic Azad University, Susangerd, Iran.
10.22118/jjhs.2025.229089
Abstract
Background and Objective: Anxiety is a significant concern among students, impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. Understanding the factors that contribute to anxiety in this population is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to explore the predictive relationship between mindfulness, social self-efficacy, and anxiety in female students aged 16–18 years. The findings are intended to offer valuable insights for educators and mental health professionals to design targeted interventions.
 
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The sample consisted of 215 female high school students residing in Ahvaz, Iran, during the 2022-2023 academic year. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was utilized to select participants. Data were collected through the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Perceived Social Self-Efficacy Scale. The data analysis utilized a variety of methods, including Pearson's correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and a multilayer perceptron model.
 
Findings: The findings revealed a strong negative correlation between mindfulness and anxiety (r=-0.60, 95% CI [-0.68, -0.51], P<0.001) and between social self-efficacy and anxiety (r=-0.51, P<0.001). A multiple regression relationship was observed between mindfulness, social self-efficacy, and anxiety (P<0.001). The multilayer perceptron model identified social self-efficacy as the strongest predictor of anxiety.
 
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both mindfulness and social self-efficacy were strongly and negatively associated with anxiety levels in female students, with social self-efficacy emerging as the strongest predictor. These results highlight the potential of interventions that foster mindfulness practices and enhance social self-efficacy to mitigate anxiety, offering practical implications for improving mental health in educational and clinical settings.
Footnotes
Acknowledgments
This study acknowledges the participation of female high school students in Ahvaz, as well as the financial support and guidance from university faculty.
 
Conflict of Interests Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
 
Data Availability
All data generated or analyzed in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
 
Funding/Support
The present study received no funding/support.
 
Ethical Approval
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz branch (code: IR.IAU.AHVAZ.REC.1403.224).
 
Authors' Contribution

M. developed the study concept and design. M.M. and B. B. M. acquired the data M. M. analyzed and interpreted the data, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the intellectual content, manuscript editing and read and approved the final manuscript. B. B. M. provided administrative support.

 
Informed Consent
All participants provided written informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study, with parental or guardian consent obtained for participants under 18 years of age, in accordance with ethical guidelines.
Keywords
Anxiety
Mindfulness
Self-efficacy
Students
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Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences
Volume 17, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 17-25