Efficacy theory and its utility in arthritis rehabilitation: review and recommendations

Purpose: Self-efficacy, a cognitive construct implicating one's self-percep tion about one's performance ability, has been found to be a significant pr edictor of psychological well-being, adherence to prescribed treatments, an d pain coping mechanisms of persons with arthritis. Heightened self-efficac y may also ameliorate arthritis-related symptoms of Fatigue and depression, and preserve function and prolong physical wellbeing. Methods: To elaborate upon the utility of self-efficacy enhancing strategie s as this pertains to ameliorating arthritis-related disability, this paper examined the related literature on this topic and detailed the outcomes an d nature of those self-efficacy enhancing strategies that have been incorpo rated into arthritis treatment regimens. Results: Despite limitations in the prevailing database, results indicated: (1) self-efficacy is potentially a potent predictor of the overall health status of the person with arthritis; and (2) carefully designed self-effica cy enhancing strategics are likely to impact favourably upon the magnitude of the disability experienced by individuals with arthritis. Conclusions: In relation to maximizing the therapeutic outcomes for disabli ng arthritis, the concept of self-efficacy is very worthy of the clinical p ractitioners and the clinical researchers attention.