Longitudinal relations between changes in self-efficacy and positive adaptation in patients with polyarthritis

Abstract

Background. A lack of self-efficacy, the confidence in one’s competencies to cope with arthritis, has been found to be related to negative aspects of psychological functioning such as depression and anxiety. There is an increasing attention for positive adaptation to chronic diseases, inspired by positive psychology. The longitudinal relationships between changes in self-efficacy and positive adaptation in patients with polyarthritis have not been investigated. Objective of this study is to analyse the relationships of changes over one in year in pain, functional limitations and self-efficacy with indicators of positive adaptation to polyarthritis Methods. 331 patients participated in a longitudinal questionnaire study. Positive adaptation was measured with PIL (purpose in life), PANAS (positive affect) and IPA (social participation). Self-efficacy to cope with arthritis was measured with ASES. Pain was assessed with a NRS and functional limitations with HAQ-DI. Data were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results. Changes in pain, functional limitations and self-efficacy significantly explained changes in positive adaptation (R2 =0.05-0.25). In all analyses change in self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of changes in positive adaptation. Individual beta coefficients of changes in pain and functional limitations were not significant for changes in purpose in life and positive affect. Self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationships of changes in pain and functional limitations with changes in social participation. Conclusion: This study showed that change over one year in self-efficacy is a relevant predictor of change in positive adaptation.