Direct and Interactive Associations of Self-Efficacy and Social Support with Anxiety and Depression in Cardiovascular Patients

The objectives of the study were twofold: i) perceived social support and self-efficacy would negatively predict depression and anxiety in Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) patients; and ii) self-efficacy would moderate the association of perceived social support with anxiety and depression in CVD patients. There were 174 CVD patients (ages 19- 60 years) selected from cardiac units of government sector hospitals. They were assessed from self-report scales of self-efficacy, social support, anxiety and, depression. The results from correlation and regression analyses showed that only friend’s social support was a negative predictors of anxiety, and friend’s and significant other’s support were negative predictors of depression. Additionally, self-efficacy was a stronger negative predictor of both the anxiety and depression after controlling the effects due to social support. Finally, self-efficacy moderated the associations of friend’s and significant other’s support with anxiety and depression. It was concluded that self-efficacy and social support are significant positive resources for better mental health of CVD patients.