Self-efficacy trajectories of individuals newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: The first year following a new multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis may be a critical time for individuals as they learn to manage their disease. Effective self-management of MS likely requires healthy self-efficacy levels, yet little is known about self-efficacy in the postdiagnosis period. This study aims to improve our understanding of self-efficacy in individuals newly diagnosed with MS by examining self-efficacy trajectories and identifying patient characteristics associated with trajectories in the first postdiagnosis year. Research Method/Design: Newly diagnosed adults with MS/clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (N = 230) completed a battery of questionnaires, including the University of Washington Self-Efficacy Scale, at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, postdiagnosis. Sankey diagrams characterized self-efficacy trajectories and a multiple regression model tested patient characteristics as predictors of self-efficacy change scores. Results: Mean self-efficacy T-scores ranged from 50.79 to 52.04 (SD = 9.40 and 10.12, respectively) across the postdiagnosis year. MS diagnosis (vs. CIS), higher disability levels, and higher MS symptom severity were associated with lower self-efficacy levels at baseline. Baseline symptom severity predicted change in self-efficacy levels from baseline to month 12 (B = −0.05, p = .030). Conclusions/Implications: Self-efficacy remains relatively stable in the first year following a MS diagnosis, though high symptom severity is associated with decreased self-efficacy at 12-months postdiagnosis. Clinical characteristics (e.g., MS diagnosis, disability level) also appear to play a role in setting the course of self-efficacy in this postdiagnosis year. Timely interventions that enhance self-efficacy and/or improve certain clinical characteristics may promote healthy self-management of MS that carries forward in disease course.

Intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive fusion, coping self‐efficacy and self‐perceived burden in patients diagnosed with cancer

“…27 Research by Karademas et al 24 showed that promoting coping selfefficacy should be considered as an intervention-oriented goal for breast cancer patients to improve their well-being. Research has also shown that intolerance of uncertainty 28 and cognitive fusion 29 predicts coping self-efficacy pathways in people with chronic physical EYNI and MOUSAVI illnesses. Research by Onyedibe et al 30 showed that cancer selfefficacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between mental adaptation to cancer and health-related quality of life in cancer patients.…”