Effect of Self-Efficacy on Quality of Life in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia: The Mediating Roles of Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the mediating effects of depression and anxiety in the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Method: A total of 196 patients diagnosed with MCI or dementia due to Alzheimer disease completed structured measures of self-efficacy, quality of life, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. We examined direct and mediated effects by fitting structural equation models to data. Results: Our analyses supported that the effects of self-efficacy on quality of life may be partially mediated by depression and anxiety. Both anxiety and depression had significant mediating effects, with depression showing a stronger effect. Conclusion: These results suggest that increased self-efficacy may have a positive effect on quality of life in people with MCI or dementia—partly by reducing depression and anxiety. These findings may have important practical implications for tailoring therapeutic interventions.