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Perceived self-efficacy, functional ability, and depressive symptoms in older elective surgery patients
1School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6096, USA.
Nursing Research
|July 31, 1998
Summary
Older adults undergoing hip surgery who feel more confident (perceived self-efficacy) experience fewer depressive symptoms post-operation. This confidence also improves their functional ability, further reducing depression risk.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychological Health
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Functional decline post-surgery is linked to depression in older adults.
- Psychological factors influencing this link are not well understood.
- Perceived self-efficacy may be a key psychological variable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a theoretical model of how perceived self-efficacy and functional ability affect depressive symptoms in older adults after major elective surgery.
- To examine the direct and indirect effects of these variables longitudinally.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 76 older adults (mean age 72.3) after total hip replacement.
- Data collected via interviews 4-5 days post-surgery (Time 1) and 6 weeks post-surgery (Time 2).
- Measures included Self-Efficacy Expectation Scale, Functional Status Index, and Geriatric Depression Scale.
Main Results:
- Perceived self-efficacy at Time 1 directly and negatively impacted depressive symptoms at Time 2.
- Perceived self-efficacy at Time 1 positively influenced functional ability at Time 2, indirectly reducing depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Interventions to boost perceived self-efficacy in older surgical patients may improve functional ability.
- Enhancing self-efficacy could decrease the incidence of postoperative depressive symptoms.
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