A test of the cognitive model of negative symptoms: Associations between defeatist performance beliefs, self-efficacy beliefs, and negative symptoms in a non-clinical sample

The cognitive model of negative symptoms posits that defeatist performance beliefs-overgeneralized negative beliefs about one's ability to successfully perform tasks-contribute to the development and maintenance of negative symptoms. However, a conceptually similar construct, reduced generalized self-efficacy-diminished confidence in one's ability to effectively complete or respond to new or challenging tasks and situations-has also been linked to negative symptoms. To identify which beliefs might be most important to target to reduce negative symptoms, we examined: 1) the association between defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs and 2) which beliefs are more strongly associated with negative symptoms in a non-clinical sample of young adults (N = 941). Analyses revealed a significant, medium-sized correlation between defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs. Both beliefs types were significantly associated with negative symptoms, but defeatist performance beliefs were more strongly related to negative symptoms than self-efficacy beliefs. Defeatist performance and self-efficacy beliefs appear to be distinct yet overlapping constructs. Findings support the cognitive model and indicate that defeatist performance beliefs may have a greater role in the manifestation of negative symptoms than self-efficacy beliefs. Thus, defeatist performance beliefs may be a uniquely promising treatment target for reducing or preventing negative symptoms.