Self-Efficacy and Coping Behavior in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common chronic conditions, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. In addition to physical symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, GERD is associated with pronounced emotional distress and high levels of anxiety and depression. Given this, studying factors that contribute to adaptation to the disease, particularly self-efficacy, is of great relevance. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of treatment-related self-efficacy in GERD patients and its impact on illness perception and coping strategy selection. The study involved 57 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of GERD who underwent psychodiagnostic assessment, including the Illness Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Coping Strategies Inventory. The results indicated that most patients exhibited a high level of self-efficacy, which was associated with a more optimistic perception of the disease and lower emotional distress. Patients with low self-efficacy were more likely to perceive GERD as a chronic and difficult-to-control condition, exhibited higher anxiety levels, and tended to avoid problems. Conversely, a high level of self-efficacy was linked to the use of active coping strategies, including positive reappraisal. The findings confirm the significance of self-efficacy as a factor contributing to patient adaptation to GERD. Enhancing self-efficacy may improve treatment adherence, reduce emotional distress, and enhance patients' quality of life. Further research is needed to develop psychological interventions aimed at increasing self-efficacy in this patient group.