Association between self-efficacy and subjective well-being among older adults: a multi-center cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo explore the association between self-efficacy and subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults, thus providing a scientific basis for developing measures to improve the SWB of older adults. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2018 to December 2023 among 27 352 older adults aged 65 and above, selected via a two-stage sampling method from 146 communities in 10 cities across China. The Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) was adopted to assess self-efficacy, and the Chinese version of the Personal Wellbeing Index for Adults (PWI-A) was used to assess SWB. A generalized linear regression model was employed to analyze the association between self-efficacy and SWB. ResultsThe 27 352 older adults showed the average SWB score of 52.76 ± 11.85 and the average self-efficacy score of 2.65 ± 0.72. The generalized linear regression model showed that without controlling for other factors, older adults with self-efficacy scores in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth quartiles (Q4) had SWB scores 3.8 (95%CI: 3.4–4.2), 6.0 (95%CI: 5.6–6.3), and 11.0 (95%CI: 10.6–11.4) higher, respectively, than those with self-efficacy scores in the first quartile (Q1). After controlling for covariates, such as sex, age, and prevalence of chronic diseases, older adults with self-efficacy scores in Q2, Q3, and Q4 had SWB scores 2.5 (95%CI: 2.1–2.8), 4.0 (95%CI: 3.6–4.3), and 8.2 (95%CI: 7.8–8.6) higher than those with self-efficacy scores in Q1. ConclusionsThere is a positive correlation between self-efficacy and SWB scores in older adults. Providing learning environments, psychological interventions, and improving physical health conditions can enhance the self-efficacy and SWB of older adults.