The Role of Self-Efficacy in the Recovery Process of Stroke Survivors

INTRODUCTION: Belief in one’s personal capabilities are conducive to achieving success and provides additional energy for action. The stronger the conviction of one’s self-efficacy, the higher the self-goals and the stronger the commitment to achieving them, despite any adversities. Our knowledge regarding the role of self-efficacy in post-stroke rehabilitation is still scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyze characteristics related to high self-efficacy levels before and after rehabilitation and to determine the role of self-efficacy in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 99 stroke survivors. Participants’ mental and functional state were assessed using Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Barthel Index (BI), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Patients were evaluated twice: on admission (T(1)) and 3 weeks into rehabilitation (T(2)). RESULTS: Patients without self-efficacy improvement after 3 weeks of rehabilitation, on discharge from the ward demonstrated poorer well-being (p = 0.002, Hedges’ g = 0.63, 95% CI [0.24–1.08]), lower illness acceptance levels (p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = −0.78, 95% CI [−1.25 – −0.41]), poorer functional status in basic activities of daily living (p = 0.003, Hedges’ g = −0.62, 95% CI [−1 – −0.25]), locomotive abilities (p = 0.004, Hedges’ g = −0.58, 95% CI [−1.12 – −0.15]) and instrumental activities of daily living (p = 0.001, Hedges’ g = −0.71, 95% CI [−1.15 – −0.34]). CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy level is significantly related to rehabilitation outcomes. A routine self-efficacy assessment during the rehabilitation process seems very important. Patients whose initial self-efficacy is low or remains unchanged despite rehabilitation require special attention. Close cooperation between all members of the therapeutic team is essential to strengthen, at each stage, the sense of self-efficacy in stroke survivors.