Influence of Perceived Self-Efficacy on Treatment Outcomes for Aphasia

• Main Author: Dunn, Allison B
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholar Commons 2004
• Subjects: response elaboration training; progressive muscle relaxation; locus of control; motivation; self-concept; outcome expectancies; depression; American Studies; Arts and Humanities
• Online Access: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/1020; https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2019&context=etd

Perceived self-efficacy has been shown to be an accurate predictor of one's performance capabilities (Zimmerman, 2000). Low levels of perceived self-efficacy have been found to correlate with negative performance outcomes; while high levels of perceived self-efficacy correlate with positive performance outcomes. This construct has also been found to influence an individual's motivation level, goal setting ability, and risk for depression (Resnick, 2002; Phillips & Gully, 1997; Blazer, 2002). Therefore, perceived levels of self-efficacy may predict and influence performance of individuals with aphasia during a treatment program. However, the influence of self-efficacy on treatment for aphasia has not been sufficiently studied. The present study examined the differences between Response Elaboration Training (Kearns, 1985) and a modified version of Response Elaboration Training, incorporating the four sources of self-efficacy. First, it was hypothesized that the individual's level of perceived self-efficacy would predict performance during treatment. Also, it was hypothesized that a treatment incorporating self-efficacy would result in increased levels of self-efficacy, thereby promoting more positive therapeutic outcomes. A single-subject, cross-over design was employed; two individuals with Broca type aphasia received both types of treatment at alternating intervals. A relationship between perceived self-efficacy levels and performance outcomes was suggested. Participant one, with a high level of perceived self-efficacy for communicative tasks, experienced a general trend of improvement for effective communication. Participant two's use of effective communication revealed minimal change throughout the study; he also reported low to moderate levels of perceived self-efficacy in all modalities of communication throughout the study. Participant two's performance revealed slight improvements in self-efficacy, however, as well as improvements on a standardized aphasia assessment; this finding may suggest a relationship between increased self-efficacy and increased performance on the assessment. Results suggest that a treatment incorporating the four sources of self-efficacy may promote more positive treatment outcomes for individuals with aphasia.