Relationship between perceived self-efficacy, functional ability and depressive symptoms in the elderly

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and functional ability and their influence on depressive symptoms in elderly persons. The sample was formed of 150 elderly persons aged above 60 years who were community dwellers and ambulatory. Data were collected through direct interview using four tools; personal data inventory, self-efficacy expectation scale, functional ability scale and geriatric depression scale. The study provided evidence on the strong positive relationship between perceived self-efficacy and functional ability. Also, it indicated that both factors had negative relationship with the level of depressive symptoms. In addition, the study showed that among the personal characteristics, financial independence and having a job had a positive influence on reducing depressive symptoms