Self-efficacy in remitted bipolar disorder: associations with employment and self-esteem.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine general self-efficacy in relation to perceived social support, self-esteem, and employment status among individuals with remitted bipolar disorder.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 67 patients with bipolar disorder in remission for at least eight weeks. Sociodemographic data were collected with a semi-structured form, and participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Correlation analyses, group comparisons, and an exploratory multiple linear regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Self-esteem was positively correlated with perceived social support (r=0.390, p<0.01) and general self-efficacy (r=0.604, p<0.001). Employed participants had higher perceived social support, self-esteem, and general self-efficacy than unemployed participants (all p<0.05). In an exploratory multiple linear regression model, self-esteem and employment status remained associated with general self-efficacy after adjustment for perceived social support, age, and gender.

CONCLUSION

Self-esteem and employment status were associated with general self-efficacy in patients with remitted bipolar disorder. These preliminary findings highlight the potential relevance of psychosocial and vocational factors, although longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the directionality of these relationships.