Perceived competence (PC) is a self-perception of an individual in its capabilities and ability to control his environment. It is posited to orient individuals to the possibility of success and to facilitate the adoption of approach goals.

We aimed to assess the PC of adolescents engaged in prosocial activities and to determine factors that influence it.

We led a transversal study, over four months, from June until September 2016. It included 90 adolescents aged 14–20 years and members of voluntary association in Sfax (Tunisia). PC was assessed using the “perceived competence in life domains” (PCLD) for the life spheres of leisure, interpersonal relationships, school, and general domains.

The average age of participants was 16 (14 to 20 years). The sample was female-dominated (53%). All participants were secondary school pupils. Almost 70% were from a high socio-economic level and over 60% had parents’ high level of education.

The mean scores of PC ranged from 19 (SD = 5.4) in leisure domain to 16 (SD = 4) in interpersonal relationships domain. PC was significantly correlated with socio-economic level (P = 0.00), participating in sports and extra- curricular activities (P = 0.00), academic proficiency (P = 0.01) and smoking (P = 0.00).

Overall, our results evidenced the positive self-perception of competence among adolescents having prosocial activities. It indicated that high socio-economic level, participating in sports and extra-curricular activities and smoking were enhancing factors of adolescents PC.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.