The importance of self-efficacy to quality of life domains among mobility impaired individuals: primary results

Abstract

Introduction: Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s competence to attempt difficult or novel tasks, and to cope with adversity arising from specific demanding situations (Cross et al., 2006; Bandura, 1994). It is one of key resources in coping with the challenges and demands presented by a chronic condition. The quality of life of the disabled individuals might be influenced by the degree of control they feel able to exert over stressful situations arising from having a disability. Highly self-efficacious individuals with mobility impairment may be better able to cope with stressful situations arising from their conditions (Luszczynska et al., 2010; Cramm et al., 2013). Considering the importance of self-efficacy on the quality of life outcomes of the individuals with mobility impairment, and the lack of such research, this study aimed at investigating the influence of general self-efficacy on various quality of life outcomes, such as physical health, social relationships and environment, as perceived by mobility impaired individuals. Methods: The study sample consisted of 154 mobility impaired individuals (49 men and 105 women), aged between 18 and 66 years old. According to the mean of age (34,65 ± 11,20), the study participants were divided into two groups of younger and older individuals. Self-efficacy was assessed using General Self-Efficacy scale (Schwarzer, Jerusalem, 1995). Three domains of quality of life, including physical health, social relationships, and environment, were measured using WHO-QOL-BREF. Results: Firstly, the results revealed that younger individuals perceived having a higher self-efficacy compared to older individuals. [...]