Self-efficacy as a predictor of self-reported physical, cognitive, and social functioning in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Objective Investigate whether self-efficacy is associated with physical, cognitive and social functioning in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when controlling for disease-related characteristics and depressive symptomatology. Participants 81 individuals between the ages of 29 and 67 with a diagnosis of clinically definite MS. Method Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between self-efficacy and self-reported physical, cognitive, and social functioning. Results Self-efficacy is a significant predictor of self-reported physical, cognitive and social functioning in MS after controlling for variance due to disease related factors and depressive symptomatology. Conclusions Self-efficacy plays a significant role in individual adjustment to MS across multiple areas of functional outcome, beyond that which is accounted for by disease related variables and symptoms of depression.

Perceived Cognitive Deficits in a Sample of Persons Living With Multiple Sclerosis

“…The finding that as perceived deficits increase so do feelings of depression, is consistent with other studies, 4,6,7,8 suggesting that self-reported cognitive difficulties are related to depressive symptoms. Importantly, these are correlations that demonstrate associations not causality.…”

“…6,7,8,22,23 The PDQ total score reported in this sample was similar to previously reported findings 6,8,22 and lower than the means in two studies, by approximately 5- 16 points. 7,23 The results of this analysis support the internal consistency reliability of the PDQ total scale.…”

“…The relationship found between self efficacy and PDQ support similar findings recently presented by Strober et al 6 and Schmitt et al 7 that self efficacy significantly predicted perceived cognitive functioning (measured by the PDQ) after controlling for depressive symptoms. The largest correlations found in this study were between the PDQ and the PROMIS Cognitive Abilities scale, suggesting that a person’s general perceived capabilities are associated with their cognitive complaints and may be important factors to consider when designing interventions to bolster cognitive abilities in persons with MS. We also found that greater use of memory strategies were related to greater perceived deficits.…”

“…One instrument used to evaluate cognitive function is the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), part of a much larger instrument for those with MS. 11 Even though the PDQ has been used in a number of studies as an outcome variable, 4,6,7,8,9 limited work describes this measure or participants’ responses in more detail. The purpose of this study is to describe the nature and diversity of perceived cognitive deficits using the PDQ in a large community-based sample, to assess the reliability of the PDQ scale, and to explore self-reported predictors of PDQ scores in persons with MS.…”

The Perceived Deficits Questionnaire

“…26 A more recent investigation found selfefficacy to be a significant predictor of physical, social, and cognitive functioning in MS, even when taking into account neurologic impairment and depression. 34 Low self-efficacy has also been shown to be related to high levels of depression. 25 Depression and low self-efficacy accompanied by increased stress and disability tend to result in a greater chance of developing anxiety in individuals with MS. 35 Taken together, it may be proposed that reduced self-efficacy lies at the root of the psychological distress found in MS, which could result in problems with adjustment, perception, and management of one's illness.…”