Exploring differences in conceptual models of general self-efficacy between employed and non-employed adults with physical impairments

This study examined a conceptual model explaining general self-efficacy (GSE) in adults with physical impairments and explored whether the structural associations differed by employment status. A total of 1787 participants were included. The model incorporated discrimination, self-esteem, disability acceptance, social participation, and GSE. Path analysis was conducted to test the conceptual relationships, and multi-group analysis assessed moderation by employment status. GSE was significantly associated with self-esteem, disability acceptance, and social participation in both groups. However, employment status was associated with different group-specific patterns of structural associations. The associations of self-esteem and social participation with GSE were stronger among non-employed adults than employed adults, and the model explained a greater proportion of variance in GSE in the non-employed group. These findings suggest that the associations among discrimination, psychosocial factors, and GSE vary by employment status.