Motivation reconsidered: the importance of self-efficacy in rehabilitation

Lack of motivation in clients has been traditionally taken to indicate a failure of adjustment to visual loss. The loss model implicit in this view is questioned on theoretical and empirical grounds. An alternative model is presented in which self-efficacy is regarded as the primary factor in adjustment, and theoretical and empirical arguments are advanced to support the view that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential to successful rehabilitation.