The latest research conducted by students of the Library and Information Science Study Program, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, reveals a significant positive relationship between students’ reading interest and self-efficacy across several universities in Greater Bandung. The findings confirm that the higher a student’s reading interest, the greater their confidence in facing academic challenges and daily life.
This study was carried out by Salma Alya Mussafa, Prijana, and Asep Saeful Rohman, involving 376 students from Universitas Padjadjaran, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Telkom University. Using a survey method and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis, the research successfully demonstrated the strong link between reading activity and students’ confidence in achieving their goals.
The results showed that 63% of students have a high reading interest and 95% have high self-efficacy. These figures indicate that the majority of students in Greater Bandung are not only active readers but also confident in their own abilities. The positive correlation emphasizes the importance of a reading culture in enhancing learning quality and personal development.
According to the researchers, regular reading not only broadens knowledge but also sharpens critical thinking skills. Students who enjoy reading tend to be more confident in decision-making, adaptable to changes, and equipped with better problem-solving strategies. This proves that reading interest plays a crucial role in shaping strong self-efficacy.
The research has direct relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes the importance of quality education for all. Increasing reading interest has been shown to strengthen students’ academic abilities and create an inclusive, productive learning environment. In addition, the findings support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as higher self-efficacy contributes to better mental health, increased resilience, and reduced academic stress among students.
The researchers recommend that universities actively develop literacy programs to boost students’ reading interest. The broader the access students have to quality reading materials, the greater the opportunity to foster a young generation that is confident, mentally healthy, adaptive, and competitive on a global scale.
Full article available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250203144212_9697.pdf
