Individual Self-efficacy Research Articles

Factors associated with transition readiness among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida in South Korea.

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with transition readiness based on the healthcare transition model among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with spina bifida (SB) in the individual (self-management and self-efficacy), family or social support (family function and social support), healthcare system, and environmental (transition environment) domains. Using face-to-face and online surveys, we conducted a cross-sectional study on AYAs with SB in South Korea. The participants were aged 13-25 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. A total of 110 AYAs with SB participated in this study. Their mean age was 19.85 (SD = 3.65) years. The mean score of transition readiness was 3.89 (SD = 0.70) out of 5. Transition readiness was statistically significantly associated with general (age), clinical (mobility), and individual (self-management) characteristics and family or social support (social support) and the healthcare system. These results suggest that it is necessary to develop tailored transition care programs that consider factors associated with transition readiness for AYAs with SB. The findings of this study increase our understanding of the transition readiness of AYAs with SB, which can help in the development of effective transition strategies.

Developing CLOUT: A Longitudinal, Cross-Program Chief Resident Curriculum to Increase Psychological Safety in the Clinical Learning Environment.

Psychological safety in the clinical learning environment is essential for learning and thriving. The authors aimed to leverage the leadership position and influence that chief residents hold and invited them to participate in a longitudinal professional development curriculum designed to provide them with the tools to promote psychological safety. A total of 66 chief residents from 25 residency programs, along with 18 faculty allies, participated in 5 workshops, which were designed to increase their understanding of and effective responses to workplace mistreatment or bias directed toward trainees. These skills-based workshops focused on effective coaching, conflict management, and self-regulation of emotions for themselves and their trainees. There was a significant improvement in self-reported efficacy in these domains at the completion of the curriculum and evidence of behavior change as assessed by baseline and final case scenario responses. Additionally, the relationship building that resulted by bringing all chief residents together further enhanced the curriculum's impact as assessed qualitatively. Providing chief residents with skills and resources to become change agents through a longitudinal curriculum in a cohort model improves individual self-efficacy and responses to exemplar cases. Assessment of the overall impact on individual programs and institutional climate is planned.

Community-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Promoting Digital Health Literacy among People in Precarious Living Conditions

The rapidly advancing digital transformation is opening up innovative opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion, particularly through sociotechnical innovations. Digitally-enabled interventions serve as augmentative tools for disseminating health-related information and promoting individual empowerment and self-efficacy. Despite their potential, digital media in community-based disease prevention and health promotion face challenges, such as the need for low-threshold design and consideration of technological acceptance factors. People in precarious life situations, who often face limited access and lower literacy towards digital technologies, could benefit from targeted measures geared to their specific needs. At the same time, it is important to highlight the risks of insufficient digital health literacy, which can have a negative impact on health. Promoting digital health literacy therefore appears to be an essential tool for improving the health situation of people in precarious living circumstances. This article argues for evidence-based and targeted further development of digital interventions for health promotion that are tailored to the needs of people in precarious living conditions and emphasizes the central role of digital health literacy in this process. In this contribution, the area of early childhood intervention is considered for exemplification.

More children, more “efficacy”: the relationship between fertility and self-efficacy among the post-80 s and post-90 s generations

Fertility punishment is a powerful interpretation of the low birth rate in contemporary China, but it is not consistent with the fact that the proportion of second children has been increasing year by year for some time. From the perspective of Bandura’s “Self-efficacy”, based on the post-80 s and post-90 s youth samples in the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents 2021, this paper explores the quantitative relationship between the number of children and individual self-efficacy. The data indicates that: (1) Fertility is closely linked to self-efficacy, with young people who have two children exhibiting higher self-efficacy; (2) The quantitative relationship between the number of children and self-efficacy varies based on parental roles—men/fathers show almost no change in self-efficacy when moving from having no children to one child, but demonstrate a significant increase in self-efficacy when they have two children. In contrast, women/mothers experience the lowest self-efficacy when having one child, which only shows a significant improvement when they have two children. These findings provide a new perspective for theoretically explaining the current fertility situation and expand the application of self-efficacy. In terms of policy efforts, it is necessary to provide support for women’s one-child fertility, and to increase the publicity of the view of more children and more efficacy to resist the potential energy of low fertility that arises from the view of more children and more burdens.

The effect of transtheoretical model-based motivational interviewing on self-efficacy and belief perceptions in individuals with substance use disorder

ABSTRACT Background The aim of this study was to identify how transtheoretical model-based motivational interviewing affects self-efficacy and belief perception in individuals with substance use disorder. Methods The study was conducted between October 2021 and July 2022 using an experimental research model with pretest and posttest control group. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power 3.1.7 programme, and a total of 46 participants including 23 in the experimental group and 23 in the control group were included in the study. The data were collected using a Socio-demographic Characteristics Questionnaire prepared by the researcher, Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), and Beliefs about Substance Use Scale (BSU). Results While the self-efficacy total mean score of the experimental group was 83.39 ± 13.13 before the experimental, it increased to 91.43 ± 11.17 after the experimental and a statistically significant difference was found between them (p < .05). BSU total mean score of the experimental group was 42.30 ± 22.42 before the experimental and significantly decreased to 25.52 ± 7.56 after the experimental, and a statistically significant difference was established between them (p < .05). Conclusion This method was found to be effective in changing individuals’ self-efficacy and beliefs about quitting substances.

Effects of Telenursing on Drug Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health services offered to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders were interrupted, and use of alternative methods, such as telenursing, came to the forefront. Sixty-four individuals with schizophrenia participated in the current randomized controlled trial that evaluated whether a telenursing intervention affected their drug attitudes, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements were obtained for experimental and control groups from May to August 2021. Data were collected via a Personal Information Form, Drug Attitude Inventory-10, Self-Efficacy Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form. Upon comparison of scores obtained by the experimental and control groups in pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements, it was discerned that telenursing positively affected drug attitudes of participants in the experimental group and enhanced their quality of life. Although there was an increase in self-efficacy levels of the experimental group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. Telenursing is an effective intervention for the improvement of drug attitudes and quality of life but is not satisfactory for the improvement of self-efficacy in individuals with schizophrenia. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(10), 15-24.].

The role of persuasion by significant others and engagement in bank-switching intention

A person’s beliefs in individual abilities, such as self-efficacy or perceived behavioral control, profoundly affect emotion, cognition, and behavior. However, the influence of such beliefs is not apparent in current research on bank-switching intention and behavior. Moreover, the relationship between bank-switching intention and the sources that promote self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control has received even less attention. In a study with a representative sample of 1245 adults in the Norwegian market, we looked at the role of four promotional sources of self-efficacy, i.e., enactive mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological and affective states, in bank-switching intention. In line with past research, we found a negative association between customer satisfaction and bank-switching intention. However, bank-switching intention was positively associated with promoters of self-efficacy in bank-switching behavior, particularly persuasion from significant others and a feeling of engagement. This feeling of engagement also interacted with customer satisfaction on bank-switching intention. Our findings suggest that bank-switching intentions cannot be attributed solely to customer dissatisfaction. They also involve social cognitive aspects promoting individual self-efficacy and human agency. The effects of significant others and internal emotional activation are important when decoding bank-switching intention.

A community health-coaching referral program following discharge from treatment for chronic low back pain – a qualitative study of the patient’s perspective

BackgroundGlobal policy and guidelines for low back pain (LBP) management promote physical activity and self-management yet adherence is poor and a decline in outcomes is common following discharge from treatment. Health coaching is effective at improving exercise adherence, self-efficacy, and social support in individuals with chronic conditions, and may be an acceptable, cost-effective way to support people in the community following discharge from treatment for LBP.AimThis qualitative study aimed to understand which aspects of a community over-the-phone health-coaching program, were liked and disliked by patients as well as their perceived outcomes of the service after being discharged from LBP treatment.MethodsA purposive sampling approach was used to recruit 12 participants with chronic LBP, from a large randomised controlled trial, who were randomly allocated to receive a health coaching program from the Get Healthy Service® in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a general inductive thematic analysis approach was taken.ResultsThe main themes uncovered regarding the intervention included the positive and negative aspects of the health coaching service and the relationship between the participant and health coach. Specifically, the participants spoke of the importance of the health coach, the value of goal setting, the quality of the advice received, the benefits of feeling supported, the format of the coaching service, and LBP-specific knowledge. They also reported the health coach and the coaching relationship to be the primary factors influencing the program outcomes and the qualities of the coaching relationship they valued most were connection, communication, care, and competence. The sub-themes uncovered regarding the outcomes of the intervention included positive impacts (a greater capacity to cope, increased confidence, increased motivation and increased satisfaction) and negative impacts (receiving no personal benefit).Clinical implicationsIn an environment where self-management and self-care are becoming increasingly important, understanding the patient’s experience as part of a coaching program is likely to lead to improved quality of health coaching care, more tailored service delivery and potentially more effective and cost-effective community-based care for individuals with chronic LBP in the community after being discharged from treatment.Trial RegistrationThe GBTH trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000889954) on 10/9/2020. Ethical approval was prospectively granted by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research and Ethics Committee (2020/ETH00115). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The relevant sponsor has reviewed the study protocol and consent form.

Perception of MBA Students Towards Their Career Choice in Kathmandu Valley: Evidence from Structural Equation Modelling

Background: Making a career decision is a crucial moment in any student's life. A good career decision leads to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Identification of the factors that influence student’s career decision making helps them to achieve their goal. Objective: Therefore, this study looks into MBA student’s perception towards their Career Choice. Method: The explanatory research design was adopted for this study based upon social cognitive theory. The study area of the research is Kathmandu valley where Structural questionnaires were used using KOBO toolbox to collect the data. Using the Stratified sampling methods, data were collected on a sample of 229 students pursuing MBA from different University. Structural Equation Modeling is used to see the MBA students’ perception towards career choice using SPSS and SPSS AMOS software. Finding: Findings reveal that the majority of the students were female, which suggests that lack of guidance, lack of experience, and financial circumstances are the main problems that may be overcome by good supervision as well as practical/experimental exposure to improve students' career choices. Moreover, SEM result indicates that individual background and self-efficacy are significance causal relationship to career choice. Conclusion: The idea of career should be focused on freedom to do job in flexible timing and to get credit for result for idea and result. Factors such as Career advancement, status of the organization i.e. size, status and image are the major indicators for choice of career. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Employment, Career Choice, MBA program JEL Classification: C26, E24, M10, C12

Clinical Validation of the Nursing Diagnosis 'Inadequate Health Self-Efficacy' in People With Hypertension.

To test the clinical validity of clinical indicators and causal relationships of aetiological factors of the new nursing diagnosis of inadequate health self-efficacy in people with hypertension. The diagnosis of inadequate health self-efficacy has both theoretical and content validity. However, a clinical validation study is needed to establish an appropriate framework for distinguishing individuals who manifest this unique human response. The study adopts a cross-sectional clinical validation approach, adhering strictly to the STROBE guidelines throughout its design and implementation. Naturalistic sampling was used to identify 302 adults diagnosed with hypertension. Their data were subjected to latent class analysis, which facilitated the identification of a comprehensive set of clinical indicators that demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy and established posterior probabilities to guide the inference of inadequate health self-efficacy. In addition, logistic regression analysis was used to assess the magnitude of the impact of aetiological factors. The prevalence of inadequate health self-efficacy was 76.61%. Among the 13 indicators examined, seven demonstrated notable sensitivity: 'risk-prone health behaviour', 'failure to take action that prevents health problems', 'inadequate self-control', 'avoidance behaviours', 'negative health self-perception', 'inadequate health-related quality of life' and 'difficulty feeling good about adopting a healthy lifestyle'. Additionally, two indicators showed high specificity: 'difficulty feeling good about adopting a healthy lifestyle' and 'inadequate adherence to treatment regimen'. Notably, 15 aetiological factors were identified as significantly associated with an increased risk of inadequate health self-efficacy. A clinical framework consisting of eight clinical indicators and 15 aetiological factors was developed to characterise inadequate health self-efficacy in individuals with hypertension. Clinical validation provides insight into the precision of clinical indicators and the magnitude of the effect of putative causal elements, thereby facilitating identification and tailored intervention for individuals with hypertension and inadequate health self-efficacy.

Peer and tutor interaction effects on collaborative learning: The role of learning self-efficacy

This study delves into the intricate relationships among individual work performance, learning self-efficacy, and collaborative learning within the context of online distance learning in higher education institutions. Quantitative research methodology, focusing on students enrolled in online distance-learning programs at higher education institutions in Thailand. Data was primarily collected through a survey questionnaire, using established measurement instruments to assess key constructs includes 16 variables from 223 samples. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine complex relationships between variables then analysed by the Smart-PLS 4 software. Findings reveal significant positive associations, supported by robust statistical evidence and effect size analyses. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks by emphasizing the sequential impact of individual work factors on collaborative learning, mediated by learning self-efficacy. Practical implications are evident for educators, administrators, and instructional designers, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of community, leveraging technology, and building students' self-efficacy beliefs. For future research, including longitudinal studies and investigations into contextual influences. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics in online education, offering valuable insights with implications for both theory and practice in the evolving landscape of virtual higher education.

Effects of wheelchair skills training during peer-led Active Rehabilitation Camps for people with spinal cord injury in Poland: a cohort study.

Prospective cohort study. To evaluate the effects of wheelchair skills training (WSTR) for participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) during peer-led Active Rehabilitation Camps (ARC) in Poland. We hypothesized that participation in ARC will improve wheelchair skill performance and self-efficacy in individuals with SCI. We also aimed to determine demographic and injury-related factors associated with greater improvements in wheelchair skill performance and self-efficacy. Thirteen consecutive ARCs in Poland. Participants (n = 122) with traumatic or nontraumatic SCI older than 16 years were evaluated at the beginning (T1) and completion (T2) of ARC and at 3-month follow-up (T3) through the Queensland Evaluation of Wheelchair Skills (QEWS) and the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q). At T2, 43% of participants reached the threshold for substantial clinically meaningful change in QEWS, 73% in WST-Q capacity, and 67% in confidence, with approximately half of those reporting such gains at T3. At a group level, participants achieved small effect-size improvements (QEWS) at T2; large effects in wheelchair skills capacity at T2 and T3; large effects in wheelchair skill confidence at T2, and low effects at T3. Prior attendance to ARC was the only independent variable that explained 10% of variance in wheelchair capacity gains. Peer-led WSTR during ARCs is highly effective at improving wheelchair skills in individuals with SCI. These improvements are largely retained after three months. Persons with SCI should have a chance to participate in more than one camp to maintain and further improve their wheelchair skills.

A nurse coaching intervention to improve support to individuals living with ALS

Objective Health coaching may supplement the multidisciplinary ALS clinic model to facilitate patient-centered health behavior change. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nurse health coaching (NHC) on the quality of life and self-efficacy of individuals living with ALS. Methods Twenty-nine participants were randomized at 1:1 to the standard of care and coaching arms. All participants attended multidisciplinary ALS clinic visits quarterly, at which times they completed assessments of quality of life and self-efficacy. Those in the coaching arm participated in monthly coaching with a nurse coach over 12 months. The coaching sessions utilized motivational interviewing to identify personal goals along with barriers and solutions to achieve them. Linear mixed-effect models were used to quantify the effect of coaching on quality of life and self-efficacy outcomes. Thematic analysis was performed to summarize the participants’ experiences with coaching. Results Adherence to the coaching intervention was good. No effects of coaching were observed on the primary outcomes of quality of life and self-efficacy, although debriefed participants reported that they would recommend it to others. Patients and caregivers reflected on the impacts of coaching that extended beyond the pre-defined study outcomes and measures put in place to gauge effectiveness. Conclusions The elicited qualitative themes illustrating patient experience of coaching demonstrate the utility of nurse coaching as an important adjunct support to complement the multidisciplinary ALS clinic model.

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape: The interplay of government support and self-efficacy in entrepreneurial education

Building upon the core concept of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, this study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between Entrepreneurial Education (EED) and business success, considering the mediating roles of Government support and entrepreneurs' self-efficacy beliefs. The study collected data from a sample of 300 small business owners in the Peshawar district of Pakistan, utilizing adapted constructs and analyzing the data through measurement and structural modeling using Smart PLS. The results reveal a significant positive association between EED and business success among business owners. Similarly, Government support is found to play a role in fostering a culture of EED among these business owners. When examining mediating factors, Government support is shown to mediate the relationship between an individual's EED and their business success, whereas it does not significantly mediate the relationship between an individual's Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and business success. Conversely, Entrepreneurial self-efficacy is identified as a potential mediator between EED and business success. However, it does not mediate the relationship between Government support and business success. Based on the findings, it is concluded that government support significantly contributes to shaping the relationship between Entrepreneurship Education (EED) and business success within the SME sector in developing countries. Likewise, the self-efficacy of business owners is identified as a pivotal individual element that positively influences business success in various circumstances. The study suggests that the SME sector in developing countries can thrive with the support of government initiatives promoting Entrepreneurial Education.

Exploring Smartphone User Interface Experience-Sharing Behavior: Design Perception and Motivation-Driven Mechanisms through the SOR Model

This study investigates user experience (UX) sharing behaviors in the context of smartphone user interface (UI) design, emphasizing their significance for UI enhancement and effective marketing strategies. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework, we examine how design perception attributes—perceived usability, novelty, enjoyment, and brand image—influence UX sharing, with a spotlight on the mediating role of individual motivation. A quantitative analysis (N = 472), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and mediation analysis were conducted. Our findings confirm that these components can positively impact UX sharing by bolstering personal expectations and self-efficacy in knowledge sharing, with perceived usability being an exception as it unexpectedly showed a negative association with sharing frequency. Moreover, perceived brand image and individual self-expectancy and self-efficacy enhance sharing outcomes. This research enriches our understanding of the strategic importance of user interface (UI) design in the context of smartphones, furnishing empirical grounding for devising sustainable UI design strategies and productive marketing tactics. Consequently, it bears considerable relevance to both theoretical insights and practical applications.

Telehealth-Supported Exercise or Physical Activity Programs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The integration of telehealth-supported programs in chronic disease management has become increasingly common. However, its effectiveness for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs for individuals with KOA. A comprehensive literature search encompassing Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, GreyNet, and medRxiv from inception to September 2023 was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs to a control condition for KOA. Data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized across eligible studies, and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects. The study was reported according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020. In total, 23 studies met eligibility criteria, with 20 included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs reduced pain (g=-0.39; 95% CI -0.67 to -0.11; P<.001), improved physical activity (g=0.13; 95% CI 0.03-0.23; P=.01), and enhanced physical function (g=-0.51; 95% CI -0.98 to -0.05; P=.03). Moreover, significant improvements in quality of life (g=0.25; 95% CI 0.14-0.36; P<.001), self-efficacy for pain (g=0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.91; P<.001), and global improvement (odds ratio 2.69, 95% CI 1.41-5.15; P<.001) were observed. However, self-efficacy for physical function (g=0.14; 95% CI -0.26 to 0.53; P=.50) showed insignificant improvements. Subgroup analyses based on the World Health Organization classification of digital health (pain: χ22=6.5; P=.04 and physical function: χ22=6.4; P=.04), the type of teletechnology in the intervention group (pain: χ24=4.8; P=.31 and function: χ24=13.0; P=.01), and active or inactive controls (pain: χ21=5.3; P=.02 and physical function: χ21=3.4; P=.07) showed significant subgroup differences. Telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs might reduce knee pain and improve physical activity, physical function, quality of life, self-efficacy, and global improvement in individuals with KOA. Future research should consider longer implementation durations and assess the feasibility of incorporating wearables and standardized components into large-scale interventions to evaluate the effects. PROSPERO CRD42022359658; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=359658.

Individual and Collective Self-Efficacy for Teaching Writing in a Multidisciplinary Sample of Canadian Faculty

Background: Teacher self-efficacy can be defined as the confidence teachers hold about their individual and collective capacity to influence student learning. While many faculty assign and assess student writing as part of their course activities, they often perceive the act of writing as separate from rather than complementary to their teaching of subject matter content. This paper will report on the combined findings of two large survey studies of 385 faculty at Canadian universities, polytechnics and colleges. The purpose of the study was to assess faculty individual and collective self-efficacy for teaching writing. Methods: Data was collected from faculty via an electronic survey distributed by email or social media (Twitter). Faculty responded to the Individual and Collective Self-Efficacy for Teaching Writing Scales. They also responded to open-ended questions asking them to relate how they felt about their abilities to guide student writing. Results: Participants’ average age was 49.9 years with 14.5 years of teaching experience. Participants reported their individual self-efficacy for teaching writing at 77.2% while feeling that their departments as a whole were only 60% confident at teaching writing. Higher individual self-efficacy for teaching writing were found in faculty who were in combined research and teaching positions, PhD prepared, with prior formal education in teaching writing, and with 20 or more years of teaching experience. No statistically significant findings were observed with the Collective Self-Efficacy scale. From the qualitative survey data three themes were identified: 1) Blaming and lamenting; 2) Is teaching writing our responsibility? 3) Hopeful efforts and recognitions. Conclusion: Overall, the data is rife with narratives of blaming students and institutions for student inability to write and faculty questioning their role as writing instructor. These narratives drown out the narratives of faculty who have a passion for teaching writing. Future research should focus on the development of formalized workshops to support faculty teaching writing and changing their attitudes toward the developmental and disciplinary shared responsibility of writing instruction in higher education.

Exploring the Acute Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Biking on Self-Efficacy and Attention of Individuals in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Feasibility Study.

The role of exercise programs during substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered particularly supportive in fostering positive psychological and behavioral changes. The treatment of SUD is a challenging and demanding process. Therefore, it is crucial to discover innovative methods to enhance and facilitate it. Integrating exercise into a virtual environment is an innovative approach for drug rehabilitation, offering multiple benefits to individuals undergoing treatment. The aim of this feasibility study was to explore the acute effects of cycling exercise in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment on attentional control and self-efficacy expectations of individuals undergoing SUD treatment. A total of 20 individuals (mean age of 37.75 years) enrolled in a SUD treatment program participated in the study. They were instructed to complete a single session of cycling with a self-selected duration within the VR system. Following the cycling session, pre-post measures indicated a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy expectations and attentional control measured with the Stroop test. The results revealed that participants expressed high levels of intention for future use, interest/enjoyment, and positive attitudes toward the VR exercise system. Qualitative data indicated that participants found the VR exercise system enjoyable, expressed a strong intention to use it, and did not encounter technical difficulties or negative emotions. In conclusion, it seems that engaging in a brief period of self-selected exercise within a virtual environment can result in temporary activation of cognitive changes, heightened self-efficacy expectations, and a motivating approach to increasing physical activity participation among individuals with SUD, thus suggesting the feasibility of this approach.

Effect of telerehabilitation-based core-stability exercise on pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological factors in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundCore-stability exercise is an exercise modality used in the management of patients with low back pain (LBP). Telerehabilitation is a new treatment approach that is gaining traction as an alternative rehabilitation approach. This study determined the effect of telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise (TCSE) and clinical-based core stability exercise (CCSE) on pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological factors in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP).Materials and methodsFifty participants (24 males and 26 females) with a mean age of 40.28 years participated in this randomized controlled study and were recruited from the out-patients physiotherapy clinic of 2 tertiary hospitals in Lagos State and were allocated into two groups (telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise group and clinical-based core stability exercise group which serves as the control) using computer-generated random number sequence. Pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological status were assessed at baseline, and at the completion of the 4th and 8th week. Patients received supervised intervention protocols twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Friedman test were used in analyzing the data at an alpha level of 5%.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) noted within each group (telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise group and clinical-based core stability exercise group) in all the outcome measures assessed (Pain Disability Index, Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire and Depression-Anxiety-Stress scale) but no group was superior to one another when compared.ConclusionTelerehabilitation-based core stability exercise was as efficacious as clinical-based core stability exercise in decreasing pain-related disability, improving pain self-efficacy and psychological factors, and should be incorporated as part of the treatment program in musculoskeletal rehabilitation for individuals with non-specific CLBP.Trial registrationPACTR202208607830603, 16th August 2022—retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/

Evaluating the impact of employability skill training on the self-efficacy of disadvantaged adults

Purpose Employability skills training programmes are an effective means for reducing unemployment rates. Such programmes also have the potential to improve the general well-being (e.g. self-efficacy) of disadvantaged individuals, however, reliable longitudinal evaluations of the psychological benefits of such programmes are limited. The present study evaluated the impact of an employability programme offered to disadvantaged adults in North-West England on self-efficacy. Additionally, the study aimed to identify risk factors for programme disengagement to identify at-risk groups that require further support. Design/methodology/approach Secondary longitudinal data pertaining to the background characteristics, programme engagement and self-efficacy scores (repeatedly measured on a monthly basis) of 308 programme users were analysed. Findings Results demonstrated that employability programme engagement significantly increased self-efficacy scores. Additionally, the findings suggested that individuals with mental health and learning difficulties were more likely to disengage from the programme. The findings demonstrate that employability programmes can have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, however, prolonged engagement is needed for which some individuals require further support with. Originality/value The present study analysed longitudinal data from a diverse sample of disadvantaged individuals to reliably evaluate psychological outcomes from employability training programmes.