Self-efficacy beliefs and locus of control orientation in depressed inpatients

Background: Personal resources such as self-efficacy beliefs and locus of c ontrol orientation play an important role in coping, So far only a few stud ies have looked at alteration of such cognitive variables during depression . Objective: Alteration of self-efficacy beliefs and locus of control orien tation during a depressive episode. Methods: The study assessed 30 depresse d inpatients, using self-assessement questionnaires (BDI; FKK) at time of a dmission and discharge. Results: In depressed subjects a significant decrea se in self-efficacy beliefs was found and also low internality scores. With recovery from depression scores approached the normative sample. Conclusio ns: In depression self-perception of efficacy and control orientation are a ltered and may interfere with coping capabilities.