Increases In General Self-efficacy Research Articles

Recalling Self-efficacious Memories Reduces COVID-19-Related Fear.

Manipulating perceived self-efficacy can mitigate the negative impact of trauma and increase ability to adapt to stress. It is possible that a similar domain-based manipulation aimed at anxiety around the pandemic might mitigate the negative mental health impact of COVID-19. The current experimental study assessed whether a self-efficacy induction would be effective in reducing COVID-19 distress. Participants were randomized to a self-efficacy autobiographical memory induction or control condition. We hypothesized that individuals in the self-efficacy group would exhibit lower levels of fear on an implicit measure of emotional states following exposure to COVID-19-related stimuli. A significant increase in general self-efficacy and self-confidence was found in the self-efficacy group from pre- to post-induction. Individuals in the self-efficacy group had significantly lower levels of fear counts on the implicit measure of emotional states than the control group following exposure to COVID-19-related stimuli. Results suggest that (1) self-efficacy can be increased among individuals with high levels of COVID-19-related distress using an autobiographical memory induction and (2) doing so reduces fear processing among these individuals when exposed to COVID-19 stimuli. This is relevant for future intervention as it reveals a possible mechanism for reducing and recovering from COVID-19-related distress. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10377-6.

The effect of home visit simulation on emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, empowerment, and stress in nursing students. A single group pre-post intervention study

BackgroundClinical simulation, the teaching methodology used in the Nursing Degree, helps students to acquire certain skills. Home visiting is a complex scenario in community care that requires certain critical skills in order to function successfully. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the improvement of self-efficacy, empowerment, management of emotions and perceived stress of nursing students through clinical simulation during home visits. DesignA quasi-experimental study was carried out. ParticipantsA sample of Students of the 2nd year of the Nursing Degree. MethodsA high-fidelity simulation programme was implemented in two sessions. The variables that were measured were: self-efficacy (General Self-efficacy Scale), empowerment (Spreitzer Psychological Empowerment Scale), emotional intelligence (Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Results170 students with a mean age of 22.2 years took part. An increase in general self-efficacy, self-determination, impact, empowerment (total score), and emotional clarity was observed after the intervention. ConclusionsClinical simulation as a teaching methodology allows the development of skills and competencies that are necessary for nursing students to be able to function in community settings such as home care. Therefore, this teaching methodology should be integrated into University Community Nursing training programmes.

How to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on laparoendoscopic single-site surgery training?

BackgroundBecause of special technical challenges, laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) has been introduced into surgical practice, with surgeons required to have adequate training. The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly affected every aspect of healthcare systems, including LESS training, which must be modified to minimize the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA 3‐session training programme was designed in 2020 during the epidemic, which was modified in 2019 before the pandemic. Session 1 was an online study on LESS knowledge. Session 2 involved the trainees' self‐directed simulator‐training. Task performance was evaluated using the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) scoring. Session 3 was practical training, including trainers' live surgical video demonstrations and trainees' surgical video feedback after training. Video feedback performance was evaluated using the modified global rating scale (GRS). Furthermore, trainees completed a general self‐efficacy (GSE) instrument. Forty‐two gynaecology trainees were allocated into two groups: novices (n = 32) and experts (n = 10).ResultsCompared with pre‐training, FLS scores improved in peg transfer (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01) and pattern cutting (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001) for novices and experts, respectively. Participants (81% versus 67%) provided first and second video feedback, respectively. Compared to the first feedback, the GRS scores of both groups improved significantly in the second feedback. All trainees showed an increase in GSE after training (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe modified LESS training programme is a practical and effective option that allows trainees to continue training during the epidemic.

The effect of midwifery-led counseling on expectant fathers\u2019 fear of childbirth: a smartphone- based randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExpectant fathers experience a range of different emotions during their wife’s pregnancy; one of these feelings is fear. It has adverse consequences on both the father and his family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of midwifery-led counseling on the fear of childbirth among expectant fathers.MethodsA two-armed parallel design randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to August 2020. Fifty expectant fathers with severe fear of childbirth at the 24th–27th weeks of gestation, in the Iranian setting, were assigned to intervention and control groups (allocation ratio1:1) using permuted block randomization. Participants assigned to the intervention group were engaged in six 60–90-min midwifery-led counseling sessions (twice a week) in the Skyroom platform. Measures were administered at recruitment, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in fear of childbirth score between groups over time. Secondary outcomes were changes in the General Self-Efficacy score as well as changes in the frequency of the preferred type of delivery between groups over time.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 31.64 (3.33) years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the fear of childbirth score in the intervention group significantly decreased (β = − 11.84; 95% Confidence Interval: − 21.90 to − 1.78; P = 0.021) compared to that of the control group. In terms of secondary outcomes, the intervention group showed a significant increase in General Self-Efficacy compared to the intervention group at one-month follow-up measurement (β = 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.28 to 2.58; P = 0.014). However, the frequency of preferred delivery type was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.139).ConclusionsMidwifery-led counseling can be an effective approach in reducing expectant fathers’ childbirth fear with potential clinical significance. Although the inconclusive results imply more research on this issue.Trial registrationRegistration number: IRCT20150608022609N6. Registered 12/04/2019.

Self-efficacy and unwanted sexual intercourse: ‘Reproductive health education programme for high-school students in Vojvodina’

IntroductionStudies have shown the importance of self-efficacy in the domain of risky sexual behaviour. The aim of this study was to examine the association of unwanted sexual intercourse among secondary-school students with socio-demographic factors and perceived self-efficacy, and to assess the effectiveness of the programme on reproductive health.MethodsThe study involved 5,026 second-grade students in 72 high schools in the Province of Vojvodina, Serbia (APV). They were surveyed before and after the implementation of the extracurricular ‘Reproductive health education programme for secondary-school students in APV’. A questionnaire consisting of 57 questions (socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of students regarding reproductive health, and a general self-efficacy scale) was used as the research instrument.ResultsOne quarter of students had engaged in unwanted sexual intercourse on one or more occasions. Students with poor material status were twice as likely to engage in unwanted sexual intercourse (ОR=2.01; 95%CI=1.07–3.75) as students with average or good material status. Students who did not engage in unwanted sexual intercourse had a higher self-efficacy score than students who who did (t=2.903; p<0.01). After the programme was completed, there was an increase in general self-efficacy.ConclusionPoor material status is a predictor of unwanted sexual intercourse. Students who have a higher level of self-efficacy engaged to a lesser degree in unwanted sexual intercourse. The programme is effective in terms of increasing general self-efficacy, and can be applied to encourage responsible sexual behaviour.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Including Updating the Early Life Experiences and Images with the Empty Chair Technique on Social Anxiety

Specific memories of early negative life experiences (ENLE) and images play an important role in the cause and persistence of social anxiety. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of individual Cognitive Behavior Therapy (iCBT), which includes updating a specific memory of ENLE and related images using the empty chair technique, on the social anxiety of university students. In addition to this, how iCBT applied affects the students’ general self-efficacy and psychological well-being is also examined. The current study was carried out with a total of eight university students, six female and two male. Participants attended iCBT sessions for 12 weeks. Changes in participants were evaluated with Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Flourishing Scale (FS) before iCBT, and one week, three months and six months after iCBT ended. The findings show that participants’ social anxiety decreased both statistically and clinically in post-tests and follow-up measures. There were statistically and clinically significant increases in general self-efficacy and psychological well-being. In addition, the changes in the participants’ social anxiety, general self-efficacy and psychological well-being post-test and follow-up measures have a large effect size. This study shows that iCBT, which includes updating of specific memories of ENLE and images, is effective in reducing social anxiety and increasing general self-efficacy and psychological well-being. These findings show that iCBT, which includes updating a specific memory of ENLE and related images, using the empty chair technique is an effective method reducing for university students’ social anxiety.

Randomized Controlled Trial: Self-Care Traumatic Episode Protocol, Computerized EMDR Treatment of COVID-19-Related Stress

Healthcare workers and mental health clinicians are at heightened risk for mental health issues while they support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and early psychological intervention is crucial to protect them. The Self-Care Traumatic Episode Protocol (STEP) is a computerized intervention adapted from the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (EMDR G-TEP). This study evaluated the effectiveness of STEP for mental health clinicians in the context of COVID-19. Thirty-four mental health clinicians were randomly allocated to treatment (n = 17) or waitlist (n = 17). The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were completed by the treatment group at baseline and 1-week follow-up postintervention and by the waitlist group at baseline, preintervention, and 1-week follow-up postintervention. Pre–post comparisons showed a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress for Immediate Treatment, t(15) = −3.64, p &lt; .01, d = .73, and for Delayed Treatment, t(15) = −3.53, p &lt; .01, d = .68, There was also a significant increase in general self-efficacy for Immediate Treatment, t(15) = 2.87, p &lt; .05, d = .46, and Delayed Treatment, t(15) = 3.72, p &lt; .01, d = .56. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated that STEP may be effective in increasing general self-efficacy and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among mental health clinicians in the context of COVID-19. Further research investigating the potential of utilizing the STEP intervention on a larger scale and with other populations is needed.

Moderation of improvement in self-efficacy following group psychotherapy for PTSD.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a primary mental health concern of veterans. In clinical settings, efforts to improve broad facets beyond symptom amelioration and consideration of moderators of treatment effectiveness in this population are needed for continued improvement in care. General self-efficacy (GSE) has been indicated as a useful treatment target because of its association with positive outcomes such as increased positive health behaviors. Both race and educational attainment represent potential moderators of treatment response that are relevant for a veteran PTSD population. This study aimed to determine whether a PTSD Recovery Group Therapy Program resulted in improvement in GSE and whether racial and educational differences moderated GSE outcomes. Archival data were examined from male veterans (N = 450) receiving mental health services at a Veterans Affairs medical center using multilevel modeling to examine change in GSE over the course of treatment as well as moderation of change in GSE as a function of race and educational attainment. After completion of group therapy, results indicated there was significant improvement in GSE, with significantly different improvement based on education. Higher levels of education were associated with greater increases in GSE after treatment. Improvement in GSE did not differ by participant race. In clinical settings, efforts to increase GSE and attending to moderators such as educational attainment may be useful for improving PTSD treatment approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluation of a teacher-led, life-skills intervention for secondary school students in Uganda

RationaleDespite a recognised need for mental health and life skills promotion for young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the evidence base for accessible and effective interventions is limited. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine if a school-based, teacher-led, life skills-focused, and manualised intervention was effective in increasing self-efficacy, reducing internalising problems, promoting prosocial behaviour, and developing a sense of connectedness among secondary school students in Uganda. MethodA cluster controlled, before-and-after study was employed in four schools, with one school acting as a wait-list control. In total, 620 students aged 13–18 completed baseline questionnaires, with 170 of those completing the same measures post-intervention. Interviews were also completed with four teachers and four students who had finished the intervention. Teachers from the intervention schools completed three days of training on the life skills manual and subsequently delivered the programme over a school year. The manual, written by the lead researcher with support from local facilitators, incorporated 24 lessons plans designed to promote mental health and resilience, develop communication skills, and teach life skills for the present and future. Training sessions also provided guidance on pedagogical approaches required to deliver this type of content effectively. ResultsAnalysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) demonstrated that the intervention group had a significant increase in general self-efficacy, F(1,167) = 20.10, p < .001, η2 = 0.107, significant reductions in internalising problems (depression/anxiety-like symptoms), F(1,167) = 11.14, p = .001, η2 = 0.063, and an increase in overall ‘Connectedness’ F(1,167) = 15.00, p < .001, η2 = 0.082, when compared to the control group. Effect sizes for these variables were medium. There was an increase in prosocial attitudes/behaviour that did not reach significance after Bonferroni correction. ConclusionsDespite limitations, including sample size at post-intervention and lack of randomisation, the study demonstrated that it is possible to deliver an effective, school-based, culturally-appropriate life skills intervention, involving local facilitators in design, delivery, and evaluation.

Developing Self-Efficacy through a Massive Open Online Course on Study Skills

Self-efficacy is a strong predictor of academic performance, and an area of interest for higher education institutions. This paper reports on a massive open online course (MOOC) on study skills, aimed at increasing self-efficacy. Participants (n=32) were from Mexico and Colombia, with ages ranging from 21 to 45 years. At the beginning and the end of the MOOC, learners answered a survey that included the General Self-Efficacy Scale, items on specific study skills, and space for optional comments. Findings show statistically significant increases in general self-efficacy after completing the MOOC, as well as in the perceived self-efficacy related to five out of six study skills. Comments suggest that participants are aware of and value their own improvement. For students, MOOCs can represent low-risk, formative opportunities to widen their knowledge and increase their self-efficacy. For academic institutions, well-designed MOOCs on study skills provide a means to support students.

Wake and light therapy for moderate-to-severe depression - a randomized controlled trial.

To examine the efficacy of using wake and light therapy as a supplement to standard treatment of hospitalized patients with depression. In this randomized, controlled study, 64 patients with moderate-to-severe depression were allocated to standard treatment or to the intervention, which additionally consisted of three wake therapy sessions in one week, 30-min daily light treatment and sleep time stabilization over the entire nine-week study period. Patients in the wake therapy group had a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in week one as measured by HAM-D17 , 17.39 (CI 15.6-19.2) vs. 20.19 (CI 18.3-22.09) (P = 0.04), whereas no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in weeks two to nine. At week nine, the wake therapy group had a significantly larger increase in general self-efficacy (P = 0.001), and waking up during nights was a significantly less frequent problem (1.9 times vs. 3.2) (P = 0.0008). In most weeks, significantly fewer patients in the wake therapy group slept during the daytime, and if they slept, their naps were shorter (week three: 66 min vs. 117 min P = 0.02). The antidepressant effect initially achieved could not be maintained during the nine-week study period. However, sleep and general self-efficacy improved.

An eHealth Diary and Symptom-Tracking Tool Combined With Person-Centered Care for Improving Self-Efficacy After a Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Substudy of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPatients with cardiovascular diseases managed by a person-centered care (PCC) approach have been observed to have better treatment outcomes and satisfaction than with traditional care. eHealth may facilitate the often slow transition to more person-centered health care by increasing patients’ beliefs in their own capacities (self-efficacy) to manage their care trajectory. eHealth is being increasingly used, but most studies continue to focus on health care professionals’ logic of care. Knowledge is lacking regarding the effects of an eHealth tool on self-efficacy when combined with PCC for patients with chronic heart diseases.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to investigate the effect of an eHealth diary and symptom-tracking tool in combination with PCC for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsThis was a substudy of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of PCC in patients hospitalized with ACS. In total, 199 patients with ACS aged <75 years were randomly assigned to a PCC intervention (n=94) or standard treatment (control group, n=105) and were followed up for 6 months. Patients in the intervention arm could choose to use a Web-based or mobile-based eHealth tool, or both, for at least 2 months after hospital discharge. The primary end point was a composite score of changes in general self-efficacy, return to work or prior activity level, and rehospitalization or death 6 months after discharge.ResultsOf the 94 patients in the intervention arm, 37 (39%) used the eHealth tool at least once after the index hospitalization. Most of these (24/37, 65%) used the mobile app and not the Web-based app as the primary source of daily self-rating input. Patients used the eHealth tool a mean of 38 times during the first 8 weeks (range 1–118, SD 33) and 64 times over a 6-month period (range 1–597, SD 104). Patients who used the eHealth tool in combination with the PCC intervention had a 4-fold improvement in the primary end point compared with the control group (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.5–10.5; P=.005). This improvement was driven by a significant increase in general self-efficacy compared with the control group (P=.011). Patients in the PCC group who did not use the eHealth tool (n=57) showed a nonsignificant composite score improvement compared with those in the control group (n=105) (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 0.8–5.2; P=.14).ConclusionsWe found a significant effect on improved general self-efficacy and the composite score for patients using an eHealth diary and symptom-tracking tool in combination with PCC compared with traditional care.Trial RegistrationSwedish registry, Researchweb.org, ID NR 65 791.

A feasibility pilot study on the use of complementary therapies delivered via mobile technologies on Icelandic surgical patients' reports of anxiety, pain, and self-efficacy in healing.

BackgroundComplementary therapies (CT), such as relaxation technique, massage, guided imagery, and accupuncture have shown to benefit patients undergoing surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using audio relaxation technique (ART), music intervention (MI), nature video application with music (NVAM), and nature video application without music (NVA) delivered via mobile technologies in a clinical setting. Secondary, the effects of ART, MI, NVAM and NVA on patients’ state anxiety, pain perception, and perceived self-efficacy in healing were determined.MethodsA randomized clinical trial (RCT) involving 105 same day surgery (SDS) patients, who were assigned to an ART (n = 25), MI (n = 25), NVAM (n = 15), NVA (n = 16), or a control group (n = 24) were assessed for state anxiety, self-reported pain, and self-efficacy four days prior to surgery, immediately prior and following a surgical intervention, and day five post-operative.ResultsANOVA found no statistically significant differences in anxiety scores; pain, or perceived self-efficacy between the five groups. Matched pairs t-Test revealed all participants had an increase in anxiety from pre-op to day 10 follow-up; a significant change in pain levels from pre-op to day 10 follow-up; and all participants had a significant increase in general self-efficacy from pre-op to day 10 follow-up. Mean pain level scores from day 1 to pre-op showed a significant decrease in pain for the ART group and NVAM group. Matched pairs t-Test for self-efficacy scores indicated the MI group and the NVA group had significant increases in self-efficacy. A significant decrease in anxiety from pre-op to day 10 for participants reporting a prior history of anxiety and for those reporting prior history of taking anti-anxiety medications.ConclusionsDespite the non-significant findings between the five groups, at any measurement point, there were valuable trends toward significance and confirmed feasibility in a clinical setting. Among the groups there were statistically significant findings for all interventions on anxiety, pain, and self-efficacy. The feasability of the implementation of novel interventions of NVAM and NVAM adds to clinical practice and the CT literature.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02236455 (September 4, 2014)

Influence of general self-efficacy as a mediator in Taiji-induced stress reduction – Results from a randomized controlled trial

Aim of the studyIn this study we examined the effects of Taiji on perceived stress and general self-efficacy (GSE), and investigated the mediating role of a Taiji-induced GSE increase on Taiji-related reduction of perceived stress. Materials and methods70 healthy participants were randomly allocated either to the Taiji intervention group or the waiting list control group. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks comprising two Taiji classes per week. Before, shortly after, and two months after the intervention, we assessed the degree of perceived stress and GSE in all participants by employing the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the GSE-Scale. ResultsCompared to controls, participants of the Taiji group showed a significantly stronger decrease of perceived stress and a higher increase in GSE from pre- to post-intervention assessment (PSS: p=0.009; GSE: p=0.006), as well as from pre-intervention to follow-up assessment (PSS: p=0.018; GSE: p=0.033). A mediator analysis based on a multiple regression approach revealed that a Taiji-related increase in GSE statistically mediated the reduction in perceived stress after Taiji as compared to baseline. Post hoc testing showed that the mediating effect of GSE was significant (p=0.043). ConclusionsOur findings confirm previously reported Taiji-related stress reducing and GSE enhancing effects with GSE increase mediating Taiji related reduction of perceived stress.