What refers to a patient's belief in his or her ability to resolve problems and make positive changes?

The concept that refers to a patient's belief in their ability to resolve problems and make positive changes is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is rooted in the work of psychologist Albert Bandura and pertains to an individual’s confidence in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It directly influences how people think, feel, motivate themselves, and behave. When individuals have a high sense of self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenging tasks, persist in the face of setbacks, and consider themselves capable of achieving their goals.

In the context of mental health, fostering self-efficacy can empower patients to take an active role in their recovery, enabling them to believe that they can influence their own mental health positively. This belief is crucial in therapeutic settings, where clients are encouraged to engage in problem-solving and develop coping strategies to manage their mental health effectively.