Exploring self-efficacy as perceived by men and women unpaid caregivers of older adults: A secondary analysis of focus group data

BACKGROUND: Psychoeducational interventions to enhance self-efficacy in unpaid caregivers of older adults have inconsistent impacts. This paper addresses the underexplored role of gender as a moderating factor by comparing caregivers' lived experiences with the Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale's conceptualization of self-efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of transcripts from eight focus groups with 45 unpaid caregivers in Canada. We applied both deductive (based on GSE categories) and inductive approaches to code focus group data, sorting it by gender. RESULTS: Findings revealed that GSE scale scores should be interpreted cautiously, as men and women perceive self-efficacy differently. Women valued external support and faced unique gender-specific challenges, while men preferred the independent strategies emphasized by the scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide context for interpreting GSE scores for men and women caregivers. For women, a low self-efficacy score may not indicate a problem, and alternative outcomes may more accurately capture their experiences.