Self-Efficacy and Health-Related Outcomes of Collective Trauma

Abstract

The objective of our study was to systematically review research evidence for relationships between self-efficacy beliefs and psychological as well as somatic outcomes of collective traumatic events. Twenty-seven studies enrolling adult and adolescent survivors of acute, escalating, and chronic collective trauma with a total of N = 8011 participants were reviewed. Cross-sectional studies suggest medium to large effects of self-efficacy on general distress, severity and frequency of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) symptoms (weighted r values range from –.36 to –.77), whereas longitudinal studies indicate large effects on general distress and PTSD symptom severity (weighted r values range: –.55 to –.62). Self-efficacy was also related to better somatic health (self-reported symptoms, i.e., less pain, fatigue, or disability). Studies addressing the relationship between self-efficacy and substance abuse after collective trauma revealed a more complex picture. Some types of pretreatment self-efficacy (e.g., self-efficacy for coping with urges) or changes in efficacy beliefs may predict less substance use or relapses. Studies testing the mediating role of cognitive or social variables in the relationship among efficacy beliefs and health outcomes indicated rather direct, unmediated effects of beliefs about ability to deal with adversities on posttraumatic adaptation. Men may benefit more from stronger efficacy beliefs. In terms of reciprocity between self-efficacy and health, evidence from longitudinal studies suggested that self-efficacy determines health-related outcomes, but changes in diagnosis do not predict changes in self-efficacy. Although a lack of experimental studies limits the conclusions, the results indicated that self-efficacy is a powerful predictor of posttraumatic recovery among collective trauma survivors.

Assessing the effect of the Queensland “Summer of Disasters” on perceptions of collective efficacy

“…Where neighborly behavior may be a proxy for social support and social networks, this finding supports existing literature that social networks promote collective efficacy and that these networks are influential in the aftermath of a disaster (Kaniasty & Norris, 1993;Luszczynska, Benight, & Cieslak, 2009). …”

“…Subsequent research should address some of the limitations of this study by better measuring the link between social networks, changes in social networks after a disaster and how this impacts perceptions of the community as a whole including perceived collective efficacy. Luszczynska et al (2009), as well as Kaniasty and Norris (1993), suggest that changes in social support after a disaster have the potential to decrease perceived collective efficacy. Luszczynska et al also suggests that perceived collective efficacy after a disaster is highest for those who are able to accept social support networks immediately after the disaster has occurred.…”

Relationships Between Traumatic Events, Religious Coping Style, and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

“…A meta-analysis [11] demonstrated that higher coping self-efficacy, levels were consistently associated with lower levels of distress and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) levels in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.…”

Self-efficacy in the context of psychological abuse: a model of efficacy erosion.

“…The high level of general selfefficacy may have served as a protective buffer between past psychological abuse and specific self-efficacy. Past studies of survivors of diverse traumas have reported that both general and specific self-efficacy can be protective against the development and severity ofPTSD symptoms (Benight & Bandura, 2004;Heinrichs et at, 2005;Luszczynska, Benight, & Cieslak, 2009), self-reported somatic symptoms, self-reported physical health disability, number of chronic diseases, and quality of chronic disease self-care (Barry et aI., 2003;Luszczynska, Benight, & Cieslak, 2009). In IPV survivors specifically, high specific self-efficacy is protective via its relationship with initiating and maintaining independence from an abusive or violent partner (Burke et aI., 2004;Lerner & Kennedy, 2000;Patzel, 2001), as well as a reduced risk for attempting suicide (Meadows et aI., 2005;Thompson et aI., 2002).…”

“…PTSD is a mental health disorder experienced by some trauma survivors and characterized by symptoms of hyperarousal, avoidance of trauma reminders, and involuntary re-experiencing of the traumatic event (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Studies revealed that both general and specific self-efficacy are associated with the presence (Benight & Bandura, 2004) and severity ofPTSD symptoms (Luszczynska, Benight, & Cieslak, 2009). For example, in a prospective study of male firefighters, low general self-efficacy and high hostility immediately following basic training were strongly associated with the severity 2 ofPTSD symptoms two years later (Heinrichs et at, 2005).…”