Modeling Structural Relationships of Self-efficacy with Tendency to Virtual Networks through the Mediating Role of Social Adjustment in Gifted Students

Abstract Introduction: Cyberspace covers many aspects of human’s life and this tendency to cyberspace can be influenced by self-efficacy and emotional aspects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to model the structural relationship of self-efficacy with the tendency to virtual networks through the mediation of social adjustment in gifted students. Method: The research method was correlational-descriptive and in particular structural equations modeling. The statistical population of the present study was all 300 gifted students of Sampad High School in 11th course in the academic year of 2019 in Gorgan city. These students were selected as samples through census method and were evaluated using the virtual networks questionnaire (2014), Scherer Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (1982) and California Compatibility Questionnaire (CCP). Results: The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and social adjustment with tendency to virtual networks. The research model was well-fit and confirmed and 0.39 of the variance of tendency to virtual networks was explained by self-efficacy and social adjustment. Also, social adaptability played a mediating role in the relationship between self-efficacy and the tendency to virtual networks. Conclusion: Changes in tendency to cybersecurity can be directly explained based on self-efficacy and indirect social adjustment states in gifted students and this study has practical implications for school counselors.