Clients' Self-efficacy and Outcome Expectations

Objectives To understand better client's self-efficacy, anticipated treatment outcome, and clients' objective and their impact on effectiveness in substance abuse treatment. Methods The study was conducted on naturalistic principles. Participants (N=327, 111 females and 216 males) from outpatient treatment units (N=7) were studied at entering treatment and at 6-month follow-up. Therapists reported clients' status concerning treatment retention. In addition, abstinent days of the participants for the month preceding follow-up and their satisfaction with the treatment received were assessed. Different regression models were used to test client-related predictors of treatment effectiveness. Results Higher self-efficacy at baseline predicted treatment retention and higher expectations on anticipated treatment outcome predicted ending therapy in mutual agreement. Moreover, higher self-efficacy together with higher expectation on treatment outcome predicted higher percent days abstinent at follow-up compared with those with lower self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Satisfaction with therapist at follow-up was predicted by higher expectations on treatment outcome. Conclusions Positive baseline expectations as regards treatment outcome and client's self-efficacy improved most outcome measures used in this study. Better expectations on treatment outcome and self-efficacy are an asset and they seem to improve treatment retention and results. Therefore, paying attention to improve those clients' expectations on themselves and on treatment must be seen as a significant treatment goal, and it should be taken into account in treatment practices.