Self-Efficacy and Balance Correlates of Fear of Falling in the Elderly

• DOI: 10.1123/japa.5.4.329
• Publication Date: 2016-08-10T12:44:28Z
• Authors: Edward McAuley; Shannon L. Mihalko; Karl Rosengren
• Keywords: Fear of falling; Falling (accident); Self-Efficacy

This study examined relationships among physical activity patterns, self-efficacy, balance, and fear of falling in older adults. Fifty-eight adults (52-85 years) completed measures activity, falling. Subjects then performed the items found Berg Balance Scale (Berg, Wood-Dauphinee, Williams, & Maki, 1992). More physically active were less fearful falling, had better stronger perceptions efficacy. Those with balance females more than males. self-efficacy significant independent effects on fear, whereas contribution history was nonsignificant. The findings suggest that behavioral, social cognitive, biological factors may be important correlates Further support is provided for utility prediction although reliance any one measure to assess this construct underestimate role self-efficacy.