Falls Self-Efficacy Among Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Phenomenological Study

• This phenomenological study explored and described the lived experience of falls self-efficacy (i.e., perceived self-efficacy in avoiding a fall during basic activities of daily living) among six individuals with multiple sclerosis and its relationship to their overall volition and occupational lives. Participants were interviewed three times over a 3-month period. All interviews were analyzed using the Empirical, Phenomenological, Psychological method. One main theme (managing fall risk as a means of supporting activity) and six subthemes were reflected in participants' lived experiences: (1) understanding personal multiple sclerosis symptoms, abilities, and fall risk; (2) accepting one's changed capacity; (3) focusing on what you can control; (4) ongoing learning by doing; (5) vigilance while doing; and (6) taking personal responsibility to reduce fall risk. The findings show how falls self-efficacy operates as part of a larger volitional process and can be used to inform the development of fall prevention programs for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)