The role of self-efficacy and mindfulness in promoting the health of socially disadvantaged people – inventory and needs analysis
The main objective of the project was to take stock and analyze needs with regard to the question of what role self-efficacy and mindfulness already play or should play in the future in promoting the health of socially disadvantaged people.
Studies show that socially disadvantaged people face a variety of stresses in their everyday lives. Poor living conditions and associated risky health behaviors often lead to health impairments. In recent years, the target group of socially disadvantaged people has increasingly become the focus of various health promotion approaches and strategies.
However, self-efficacy and mindfulness—two concepts that have proven to be significant in changing health-related attitudes and behaviors—have so far been given relatively little consideration in relation to people in difficult life situations. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive relationship between self-efficacy and health, as well as the positive contribution of mindfulness to health.
In order to find out what significance is attached to the two concepts in promoting the health of socially disadvantaged people, experts from academia and practice, professionals from the field of psychosocial work, and socially disadvantaged people themselves were surveyed. This was done using various methods, such as an online survey and telephone interviews.
The results of the study were presented and discussed at a nationwide conference in Landau in March 2011. Ideas for integrating the concepts into health promotion for socially disadvantaged people were also generated there.
All information about the project and the results are available at:
The study was funded by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Contact persons
PD Dr. Gabriele E. Dlugosch, Dipl.-Psych.
Dr. Christina Dahl
Nadine Brunnemann
Joachim Zeuge