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Article
Evaluation of a Disease-Specific Self-Efficacy Instrument in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease and Its Relationship to Adjustment
Child Neuropsychology (2007)
  • Olivio J. Clay, University of Alabama, Birmingham
  • Joseph Telfair, Georgia Southern University
Abstract
The psychometric properties of a disease-specific instrument used to assess self-efficacy in adolescents with sickle cell disease, the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale, were evaluated in a sample of 131 adolescents ranging from 11 to 19 years of age. This nine-item instrument was associated with a one-item, general self-efficacy question and an item of self-control. After controlling for age, gender, highest grade of education completed, and the number of individuals in the household, high levels of self-efficacy were related to fewer physical, psychological, and total symptoms. Using the stress process framework to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and self-reported symptoms in adolescents may lead to the initiation of effective intervention programs capable of increasing levels of self-efficacy in adolescents. These interventions could lead to better outcomes for adolescents with sickle cell disease. Additional longitudinal investigations are needed to evaluate the ability of self-efficacy to predict adolescent adjustment over time.
Keywords
  • Sickle cell disease,
  • Self-efficacy,
  • Adolescent health,
  • Health promotion,
  • Youth health,
  • Adjustment
Publication Date
2007
DOI
10.1080/09297040600770746
Citation Information
Olivio J. Clay and Joseph Telfair. "Evaluation of a Disease-Specific Self-Efficacy Instrument in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease and Its Relationship to Adjustment" Child Neuropsychology Vol. 13 Iss. 2 (2007) p. 188 - 203
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joseph_telfair/111/