Self-efficacy and adjustment in the social context: A close look at childhood adjustment to chronic illness

In recent decades research and theory on the adjustment of children with chronic conditions and disabilities has grown considerably. For the most part however, the study of peer relations within this population has been widely neglected (La Greca, 1990). As a consequence an understanding of social adjustment within this population remains equivocal. Similarly an understanding of social, environmental or cognitive processes which may impact upon the adjustment process is limited. This paper will examine the potentially important role of the self-efficacy construct in providing some insight into the role of cognitive processes in social adjustment. A self-efficacy instrument will be examined along with preliminary pilot and research data.