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

Authors :
Tingey JL
Valentine TR
Kratz AL
Bentley JA
Ehde DM
Alschuler KN
Source :
Rehabilitation psychology [Rehabil Psychol] 2023 May; Vol. 68 (2), pp. 204-211. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Mar 23.
Publication Year :
2023

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.<br />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.<br />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).<br />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. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1939-1544
Volume :
68
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Rehabilitation psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36951739
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000487