Role of Self-Efficacy in the Constraints Negotiation Process: The Case of Individuals with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

This cross-sectional survey study examined the constraints negotiation process associated with participation in physically active leisure activities among individuals with fibromyalgia. A measure of negotiation-efficacy was developed. Four models were hypothesized, tested, and compared. The results were consistent with a model in which constraints decreased participation but also triggered the use of negotiation strategies that in turn increased participation. Higher levels of motivation increased efforts to negotiate and participate. Consistent with the main hypothesis, higher levels of negotiation-efficacy increased both motivation and negotiation efforts. A seventh proposition for constraints negotiation theory is proposed: The greater people's confidence in the successful use of negotiation resources to cope with constraints, the greater the motivation and effort to negotiate and the higher the level of participation.