Self-efficacy as a predictor of mental readiness during the pre-embarkation transition among Indonesian maritime cadets

Jurnal Konseling dan Pendidikan August 03, 2026 Volume 14, Number 2 4 authors

Abstract

The pre-embarkation period before the first sea practical training is a psychologically demanding transition in maritime education, yet limited evidence has identified the psychological resources that best explain cadets' readiness for this phase. This study examined self-efficacy as a predictor of mental readiness among Indonesian maritime cadets. A quantitative cross-sectional predictive validity design was conducted with 178 Diploma IV cadets from the Nautical and Engineering departments of STIP Jakarta, selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The Self-Efficacy Scale and Mental Readiness Inventory demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's α = .89 and .91, respectively). Self-efficacy was positively associated with mental readiness (r = .67, p < .001) and significantly predicted mental readiness (β = .67, B = 0.75, p < .001), explaining 45.1% of the variance (R² = .451). Nautical cadets reported significantly higher mental readiness than Engineering cadets (M = 3.95 vs. 3.53; Cohen's d = 0.78), while self-efficacy remained a significant predictor after controlling for gender and prior ship-visit experience, both of which were non-significant. These findings indicate that higher self-efficacy is consistently associated with greater mental readiness during the pre-embarkation transition, although the cross-sectional design does not support causal inference. The study highlights the value of integrating self-efficacy-enhancing strategies, such as simulation-based mastery experiences and structured mentoring, into maritime education to strengthen cadets' psychological preparedness. Longitudinal and multi-institutional research is recommended to verify the stability and generalizability of these findings.

Authors

  1. Inayatur Robbany

    Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta, North Jakarta

  2. Niken Sitalaksmi Widjaja

    Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta, North Jakarta

  3. Hafis Aulia

    Student of Nautical Department, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta, North Jakarta

  4. Aliya Izet Begovic Yahya

    Student of Doctoral Education Program, Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Jakarta

Keywords

Self-efficacyMental readinessMaritime cadetsMaritime educationPsychological readiness

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