The mediating effect of self‐efficacy on the relationship between family functioning and quality of life among elders with chronic diseases

AIM: To explore whether self‐efficacy has any positive or negative mediating effects between family functioning and quality of life among elders with chronic diseases. DESIGN: A cross‐sectional study. METHODS: Questionnaires were collected from 516 community‐dwelling elderly individuals with chronic diseases using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaires included the Self‐efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Six‐Item Scale, the Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve Index and the MOS 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: Family functioning and self‐efficacy impacted the quality of life of community‐dwelling elderly individuals with chronic diseases. Family functioning was mediated by self‐efficacy and had an indirect impact on quality of life. The mediating effect accounted for 62.50% of the total effect.