Determining the Relationship between the Level of Self-efficacy and Quality of Life on Coping with Depression

Background: Individuals’ high self-efficacy has a positive effect on coping diagnosed with depression. This positive effect also contributes to the improvement of the quality of life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between self-efficacy in coping with depression and quality of life.

Methods: The study used a descriptive design. The sample of the study consisted of 78 patients followed up with a diagnosis of depression in the psychiatry department of a hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Questionnaire form, depression coping self-efficacy scale (DCSES), and SF-12 quality of life scale were used. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics, comparison statistics, and correlation analysis.

Results: It was determined that the patients diagnosed with depression had moderate self-efficacy perceptions. When the scores of the patients from the scales were examined, the mean score for the physical health summary score component of the SF-12 quality of life scale was 43.36 ± 6.5 and the mean score for the mental health summary score component was 44.92 ± 8.2. In the correlation analysis, a very high, positive, and significant relationship was found between DCSES and SF-12.

Conclusion: This study revealed the necessity of self-efficacy in improving the quality of life of patients diagnosed with depression. Improving self-efficacy and quality of life as a part of nursing interventions can contribute to the resolution of mental problems.