The relationship between self-identity and ego depletion among Chinese university students: The mediating role of self-efficacy

Hongjie Fang

doi:10.54844/wsr.2025.1063

Authors

Hongjie Fang 澳门城市大学

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54844/wsr.2025.1063

Keywords:

self-efficacy, self-identity, self-depletion, mediation, resource depletion

Abstract

University students always face psychosocial stressors that may deplete self-regulatory resources. This study aimed to investigate whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between self-identity and ego depletion among Chinese undergraduates. A sample of 256 university students (20.46 ± 1.15 years) completed the self-identity scale, general self-efficacy scale, and self-regulatory fatigue scale. Mediation analysis was conducted and the results showed that self-identity positively predicted self-efficacy (β = 0.118, P < 0. 001) and negatively predicted ego depletion (β = -0.992, P < 0. 001). Critically, self-efficacy was found to partially mediate the relationship between self-identity and ego depletion (indirect effect = -0.180, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.300, -0.075), accounting for 18.15% of the total effect. This suggests that self-efficacy is a significant mechanism through which a clear self-identity protects against ego depletion. These findings suggest that enhancing both self-identity and self-efficacy may help reduce self-regulatory depletion and improve resilience among university students.

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