ABSTRACT

Confidence, or self-efficacy, is a conviction that one can successfully perform behavior(s) to produce desired outcomes, and it is a key predictor of initiating and maintaining behavior change. Patient self-efficacy is theorized to vary by situation, including before and during the change process, and it is a key predictor of initiation and maintenance of healthy behavior. This chapter presents a description and evidential support of four key principles for building confidence, detailed case studies, practical tips, and measurement examples to help the practitioner build patient confidence in adopting healthy lifestyle prescriptions.