Mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social integration and self-disgust among patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social integration and self-disgust among patients with stroke, with the aim of informing the development of targeted interventions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 207 patients with stroke completed a general demographic questionnaire, the Stroke Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy Assessment Scale, the Social Network Scale, and a self-disgust assessment tool. Pearson's correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships among self-efficacy, social integration, and self-disgust. Mediation analysis was then conducted, with the significance of indirect effects evaluated using the bootstrap method. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) scores for self-disgust, social integration, and self-efficacy were 40 (36, 45), 3 (2, 5), and 70 (67, 77) respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that self-disgust was significantly negatively correlated with social integration (p < 0.01), and with self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Additionally, social integration was significantly positively correlated with self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated that self-efficacy exerted a significant indirect effect on the relationship between social integration and self-disgust (effect = -0.475), with the indirect pathway through self-efficacy was associated with 43.42% of the total observed effect. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that self-efficacy may partially mediate the relationship between social integration and self-disgust in patients with stroke. Interventions that enhance self-efficacy and promote social integration may reduce self-disgust and support rehabilitation outcomes.