A test of the cognitive model of negative symptoms: Associations between defeatist performance beliefs, self-efficacy beliefs, and negative symptoms in a non-clinical sample. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luther, Lauren; Coffin, George M.; Firmin, Ruth L.; Bonfils, Kelsey A.; Minor, Kyle S.; Salyers, Michelle P.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 269(2018)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 285
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Negative symptoms -- Defeatist beliefs -- Schizotypy -- Schizophrenia -- Cognitive model; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Links tested among defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs and negative symptoms. There was a medium-sized, inverse correlation between the belief types. Both beliefs correlated with negative symptoms; defeatist performance beliefs' link was stronger. These two belief types seem to be distinct but overlapping constructs. Defeatist performance beliefs may have a greater role in negative symptoms. Abstract: The cognitive model of negative symptoms posits that defeatist performance beliefs—overgeneralized negative beliefs about one's ability to successfully perform tasks—contribute to the development and maintenance of negative symptoms. However, a conceptually similar construct, reduced generalized self-efficacy—diminished confidence in one's ability to effectively complete or respond to new or challenging tasks and situations—has also been linked to negative symptoms. To identify which beliefs might be most important to target to reduce negative symptoms, we examined: 1) the association between defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs and 2) which beliefs are more strongly associated with negative symptoms in a non-clinical sample of young adults (N = 941). Analyses revealed a significant, medium-sized correlation between defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs. Both beliefs types were significantly associated with negative symptoms, but defeatist performance beliefs were more strongly related to negative symptoms than self-efficacy beliefs. Defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs appear to be distinct yet overlapping constructs. Findings support the cognitive model and indicate that defeatist performance beliefs may have a greater role in the manifestation of negative symptoms than self-efficacy beliefs. Thus, defeatist performance beliefs may be a uniquely promising treatment target for reducing or preventing negative symptoms.