Components and patterns of self-efficacy in Parkinson's disease patients

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe patterns of self efficay (i.e. the ability to make choices and to implement decisions, to solve problems, to single out and pursue personal objectives and needs (see Wehmeyer, 1998; Nota and Soresi, 2003) in Parkinson’s disease patients and to analyse the role of cognitive functioning and of some clinical variables. Method: Twenty-six patients were included in the study. FAB, MMSE, ADL e IADL, BIA (Basic Interaction Abilities) were administered to all patients. They were grouped according to MMSE score as normal, mild and moderate. The Evaluation of Self-determination Instrument (SDI; Soresi and Nota, 2007) was used to assess self-efficay capacity. Results: Cognitive efficiency, as indexed by FAB and MMSE, seem significant predictor of self-efficacy level, at least when either daily routines and activities and commitments are concerned. Different sensitivity to cognitive efficiency was observed for expressing emotions and opinions and for realizing own choices and desires. Clinical variables seem to play different roles: length of disease, for instance and severity of the symptoms do not seem to affect S-E, while ADL and IADL together with basic interaction abilities seem to affect all components measured. Finally high levels of S-E were also associated with high levels of quality of life experienced. Conclusion: The study suggests that S-E might be affected in different ways by Parkinson disease. Knowing levels of specific SE components might help in finding cognitive resources and strategies available to patients. Maintaining high levels of self-efficacy may help in ensuring high levels of quality of life in these patients.