Self-efficacy, aftercare and relapse in a treatment program for alcoholics

The role of self-efficacy in the prediction of relapse following alcoholism treatment was examined in a 12-month follow-up evaluation. Self-efficacy was assessed at intake to inpatient treatment and again at discharge. The drinking status of male alcoholics completing treatment then was assessed during six intervals over the course of the posttreatment year. Results indicated a significant increase in self-efficacy from intake to discharge. Additional analyses showed that lower intake self-efficacy ratings were associated with relapse by either 6- or 12-months posttreatment. Discharge self-efficacy, on the other hand, was not related to relapse status at either posttreatment point. A subsequent analysis of the pattern of relapses across the six follow-up intervals was conducted using survival analysis. Results revealed that only intake self-efficacy was predictive of the follow-up interval during which a relapse occurred. Individuals high in self-efficacy at intake showed the greatest resistance to relapse across time. The maintenance of aftercare further reduced the risk of relapse. The results are discussed with respect to self-efficacy theory and the problem of ceiling effects in posttreatment self-efficacy assessments.