ABSTRACT
Large numbers of heart attack survivors experience unnecessary distress and put themselves at significant medical risk due to excessive fear of physical activity. Self-efficacy theory has improved our ability to identify and alleviate these inappropriate fears. Research reviewed in this chapter suggests that self-efficacy appraisals influence patient involvement in exercise regimens and mediate beneficial effects of exercise participation. The development of scales to measure self-efficacy makes it possible to identify individuals who may be at risk of dangerous overexertion due to unrealistically optimistic appraisals of their physical capabilities. Research on affect and self-appraisal suggests that self-efficacy can be strengthened by mood-dependent memories of past successes, and that self-efficacy gains foster positive affect. Factors affecting self-evaluative and affective responses to rehabilitative exercise are reviewed. Behavioral interventions to modify these influences and enhance self-efficacy enable patients to cope more effectively with the many challenges posed by heart attack.
