relationship between self-efficacy and self-handicapping and tendency to addiction use in soldiers

Aims: this study investigated the mediating role of personality dimensions in the relationship between self-efficacy and both self-handicapping and addiction tendencies among soldiers. understanding these psychological mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions in military populations.instrument & methods: this descriptive correlational study employed structural equation modeling. the sample consisted of 400 conscript soldiers from the law enforcement forces of yazd in 2024. participants completed standardized questionnaires measuring self-efficacy, self-handicapping, addiction tendency, and the big five personality traits. data analysis was conducted using spss and smartpls software.findings: significant associations were found among self-efficacy, personality dimensions, self-handicapping, and addiction tendency. moreover, personality dimensions were shown to mediate the effect of self-efficacy on both self-handicapping and addiction tendency.conclusion: self-efficacy plays a vital role in reducing self-handicapping behaviors and addiction tendencies among conscript soldiers, with personality traits acting as important mediators.