The Effect of Self-Efficacy on Treatment

Becker's (1974) Health Belief Model has been used successfully to address behavior change in chronic diseases, including smoking and alcohol dependence. This project applies the Health Belief Model to opiate addiction treatment, specifically medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between self-efficacy and treatment outcomes for opiate-dependent clients on MAT. A convenience sample of 50 persons with addiction to opiates was admitted to an outpatient substance abuse treatment program for MAT and followed for a period of 6 months. Pretreatment and posttreatment self-efficacy scores were obtained using a modified General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Treatment outcomes were measured by the number of negative random monthly urine screens, attendance at group and individual counseling sessions, and retention in treatment for at least 6 months. Pretreatment and posttreatment self-efficacy scores were compared using a t test, and self-efficacy scores were compared with client outcomes using Pearson's correlation. GSE scores showed improvement after 6 months in treatment (p ≤ .01). However, no statistically significant relationship was found between GSE scores and treatment outcomes.