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

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

AOTF: The American Occupational Therapy Foundation

Life Balance: Multidisciplinary Theories and Research

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

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

By Elizabeth W. Peterson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Gary Kielhofner, DrPH, OTR/L, FAOTA; Kerstin Tham, PhD, OT reg; Lena von Koch, PhD, RPT

Submitted 4/16/09; Accepted 9/18/09; Posted 11/25/09

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.

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