title: Self-efficacy and arthritis disability: An updated synthesis of the evidence base and its relevance to optimal patient care.
abstract: Self-efficacy, denoting the degree of confidence an individual has in carrying out a specific activity, was initially discussed in the 1970s as a potential correlate of disease outcomes. Drawn from 35 years of related research, this review provides an updated understanding of the concept of self-efficacy and its relevance for arthritis management. There is a consistent link between self-efficacy, arthritis pain and disability, and adherence to recommended therapeutic strategies. A wide variety of intervention strategies improve arthritis self-efficacy, as well as outcomes. Steps to assess and intervene thoughtfully to maximize self-efficacy beliefs are likely to impact arthritis disability outcomes quite favorably and significantly, regardless of disease type, duration, or sociodemographic factors.
authors.affiliation: The City University of New York, USA; Columbia University, USA.
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marks
keywords: arthritis; disability; outcomes; pain; self-efficacy