Competence Outcomes
Learning
Cognitive / learning outcomes
- When young people are hopeful about their competence, they are more likely to perform better in school.
- Self-perceived competence is associated with academic achievement and performance.
- Young people who are more socially competent are more likely to do well in school and continue to higher learning.
Feeling
Psychological / emotional outcomes
- Youth with higher cognitive and behavioural competence are less distressed, have greater psychological well-being, and report decreased substance use.
- Youth who feel hopeful and are more emotionally competent are more likely to have positive emotions and life satisfaction.
- Young people with higher social and physical competence have higher self-esteem.
- Emotional competence is associated with greater adaptability and coping, and reduced depressive thoughts, anxiety, and mental disorders.
Behaving
Behavioural / social outcomes
- Young people who have higher social competence tend to have lower rates of antisocial behaviour, delinquency, and drug use.
- Higher cognitive and behavioural/social competence is associated with waiting to be sexually active and increased use of contraceptives.
- Physical competence is associated with sport participation.
- Youth who are more culturally competent tend to value diversity, have better physical health, delay gratification, and take leadership.