Does perceived self-efficacy moderate process thinking and associated affect in Multiple Sclerosis?

Process thinking involves individuals thinking through the steps necessary to achieve a goal; there is mixed evidence on the impact of process thinking on affect. Self-efficacy is one’s belief in one’s ability to successfully perform a behaviour to achieve a certain outcome. High levels of self-efficacy are associated with better goal outcomes, and there is some evidence to suggest that self-efficacy is positively related to process thinking. Individuals with chronic conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), tend to have lower levels of self-efficacy and a degree of goal disturbance. The present study aimed to determine the impact of process thinking on affect in people with MS, and if self-efficacy moderates the relationship between process thinking and affect in this population. It also examined the relationships between self-efficacy, health and functioning, and process thinking. People with MS were asked to complete measures of functioning, affect, and perceived self-efficacy, and to undertake a process thinking task. Analysis found that positive affect significantly increased post-task, but perceived self-efficacy did not moderate this relationship. A significant negative relationship was found between level of functioning and perceived self-efficacy, but no relationship was found between perceived self-efficacy and process thinking. Limitations of the study, implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.