Key result
Higher general self-efficacy linked to ~6% lower anxiety odds, plus reduced depression and pain.
Why the study?
Understanding the interrelationships between general self-efficacy and chronic conditions can help in developing prevention and treatment strategies.
Is general self-efficacy associated with the prevalence of chronic conditions, health complaints, and health-related behaviours in adults?
Observational (n=3,532)
No
Is general self-efficacy associated with the prevalence of chronic conditions, health complaints, and health-related behaviours in adults?
Effect estimate: OR with % change in odds per one unit increase in GSE score
Higher general self-efficacy is associated with a lower prevalence of several psychological and physical health complaints, suggesting its potential role as a protective psychological factor.
Supports self-efficacy promotion in clinical practice for at-risk adults; extends evidence as protective factor but leaves causality open.
Self-efficacy, reflecting an individual’s belief in their ability to achieve goals, influences motivation, behaviour, and success. Understanding the interrelationships between general self-efficacy (GSE) and chronic conditions can contribute to developing prevention and treatment strategies. We surveyed 3,532 participants (age = 31.73 ± 13.13 years, 66% females) using an online questionnaire that assessed GSE, chronic conditions, health complaints, and health-related behaviours. Binary logistic regression analysed associations. Higher GSE levels were associated with reduced odds of several chronic conditions, including pain of unclear origin (4%, 95% CI [0–8], p < 0.05), anxiety (6%, 95% CI [4–9], p < 0.001), and depression (5%, 95% CI [2–8], p < 0.01). Furthermore, higher GSE levels were associated with a 10% (95% CI [9, 12], p < 0.001) reduction in the odds of nervousness, an 8% (95% CI [6–10], p < 0.001) reduction in the odds of heart pounding/chest pain, and a 7% reduction in the odds of depressive feelings (95% CI [6–8], p < 0.001) and irritability/bad mood (95% CI [6–9], p < 0.001). Overall, negative associations were found with all tested health complaints except for intestinal complaints. Conversely, higher GSE levels were associated with increased odds of asthma (3%, 95% CI [0–5], p < 0.05) and coffee consumption (2%, 95% CI [1–4], p < 0.001). GSE was moderately associated with health complaints, chronic conditions, and health-related behaviours, suggesting its importance in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
HORELICOVÁ et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Adults aged 18-80 from the general population assessed for general self-efficacy and chronic physical and psychiatric conditions (n=3,532). Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) was evaluated on Association of general self-efficacy levels with presence of chronic physical and psychiatric conditions and health complaints (OR with % change in odds per one unit increase in GSE score). Higher general self-efficacy was associated with a 6% reduction in odds of anxiety (OR ~0.94), 5% reduction in odds of depression (OR ~0.95), and 4% reduction in odds of pain of unclear origin (OR ~0.96), but a 3% increase in odds of asthma (OR ~1.03) in adults aged 18-80.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: