Abstract

Abstract There is evidence that the psychological attribute of perceived self‐efficacy plays a role in mediating health outcomes for persons with chronic arthritis who take the Arthritis Self‐Management Course. An instrument to measure perceived self‐efficacy was developed through consultation with patients and physicians and through study of 4 groups of patients. Tests of construct and concurrent validity and of reliability showed that the instrument met appropriate standards. Health outcomes and self‐efficacy scores improved during the Arthritis Self‐Management Course, and the improvements were correlated.