Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Caregiver Coping: Development and Testing of an Assessment Model

Authors: Zeiss A.M.; Gallagher-Thompson D.; Lovett S.; Rose J.; McKibbin C.

Source: Journal of Clinical Geropsychology, Volume 05, Number 3, July 1999 , pp. 221-230(10)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Development and utilization of two self-efficacy measures thought to be relevant to stressed family caregivers, Caregiver Self-Care Self-Efficacy and Caregiver Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy, are described. Data obtained in the context of a psychoeducational intervention program are available for 217 caregivers of frail and/or cognitively impaired elders. Analyses of psychometric properties of the efficacy measures demonstrate good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for both measures. In addition, both measures of self-efficacy are related to depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and caregiver distress as measured by the Zarit Burden Scale. Problem-Solving Self-efficacy also is related to subjective caregiver burden as measured by Zarit's Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist. Results are promising in terms of the utility of the measure and the application of self-efficacy theory to the caregiving situation. Limitations of these measures are discussed and suggestions made for improved second-generation self-efficacy scales.

Keywords: self-efficacy; caregivers; older adults; scale development

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (116B), 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304. Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine

Publication date: 1999-07-01