Memory self-efficacy and psychosocial factors in stroke

To explore whether Memory Self-efficacy is related to depression, neuroticism and coping in patients after stroke, as it is in healthy elderly subjects.

A cross-sectional design. The relation between Memory Self-efficacy and psychosocial factors was analysed using a Mann-Whitney U test and non-parametric Spearman correlations.

Seventeen male and 6 female patients after stroke from an inpatient rehabilitation setting were included.

Memory Self-efficacy, depression, neuroticism and coping were assessed with validated questionnaires. Patients with severe aphasia, subarachnoidal haemorrhage or subdural haematomas were excluded.

As in healthy elderly subjects, higher depression ratings are significantly related to lower Memory Self-efficacy ratings (Z = -2.13; p = 0.033). Lower Memory Self-efficacy seems related to higher neuroticism ratings and a more passive coping style score (Z = -1.54; p = 0.123; Z = -1.42; p = 0.155, respectively). The Spearman correlations confirm these finding (p < 0.10).

This study replicated the relationships between Memory Self-efficacy and depression and neuroticism found in a healthy population, in an inpatient stroke population. Future research on Memory Self-efficacy in patients after stroke should focus on other potential determinants such as awareness and, ultimately, on the effectiveness and efficacy of interventions aimed at Memory Self-efficacy to improve participation and quality of life.