title: Genetic testing and the relationship between specific and general self-efficacy.
abstract: The study examined the extent to which variations in health-specific self-efficacy could affect general self-efficacy. In a repeated measures design, 300 participants were administered an efficacy questionnaire, before and after an alleged news report, aimed at increasing or decreasing self-efficacy over genetic-testing decision making. The results found that self-efficacy over testing was significantly reduced after reading the negative news report in those participants who felt personal efficacy over testing decisions was important. Levels of general self-efficacy were also significantly decreased. The findings suggest that being denied control over a specific area of self-efficacy can have a wider impact, with a lack of perceived efficacy over testing decision making adversely impacting on levels of general well-being. The wider implications of this generalization effect and the processes involved in efficacy generalization are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. jane.hendy@lshtm.ac.uk
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hendy
authors.forename: Evanthia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: Glynis M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Breakwell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires