Self-Efficacy in the Adoption and Maintenance of Health Behaviors: Theoretical Approaches and a New Model

Abstract

This chapter presents of a chronic disease, many types of self-management practices are both feasible and beneficial, and that perceived self-efficacy to execute those practices and to manage the consequences of the disease improves the outcomes greatly. It organizes into three sections which define and discusses: the nature of chronic disease and its management, characteristics of self-management and the interactions among self-efficacy, self-management and chronic disease outcomes. It is useful to look more closely at characteristics of chronic diseases in order to specify the role of self-management. The afore-mentioned components of self-management-understanding and interpreting disease and illness patterns, using specific self-management practices and applying prevention principles-apply generally across chronic diseases. Designing health services which are more appropriate for chronic disease would be an essential element in resolving the health care crisis. The chapter argues that fostering and supporting self-management practices and developing the skills for them, would be an essential ingredient of any successful plan.