Surgical Fear and WorryingNCT07755293
Self-Efficacy, Surgical Fear and Psychological Well-Being in Abdominal Surgery
An observational study of Surgical Fear and Worrying and Well-Being, Psychological, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Surgical fear is a common psychological response among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and may adversely affect psychological well-being during the perioperative period. Individual psychosocial characteristics, particularly self-efficacy, may influence how patients perceive and cope with surgical fear. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Surgical Fear and Worrying, Well-Being, Psychological, Nursing Care
- How many people
- 300 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 May 2026to 30 Sep 2026
- How long will I take part?
- 1 Day
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adult patients scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery at the General Surgery Clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Research and Application Hospital who meet the eligibility criteria and provide informed consent will be consecutively enrolled in the study.
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery
- Able to read, speak, and understand Turkish
- Conscious and able to complete the questionnaires
- Willing to participate and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Diagnosis of dementia
- Visual or hearing impairment preventing questionnaire completion
- Undergoing abdominal surgery due to cancer
- Refusal or withdrawal of participation at any stage of the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Aydın Adnan Menderes University
Aydin, Zafer Mahallesi, 09010
About this study
Official title: Moderating Effect of Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Surgical Fear and Psychological Well-Being in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Within the Framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory
Surgical fear is a common psychological response among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and may adversely affect psychological well-being during the perioperative period. Individual psychosocial characteristics, particularly self-efficacy, may influence how patients perceive and cope with surgical fear. This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being in patients undergoing abdominal surgery within the framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. Data will be collected preoperatively using validated questionnaires from 300 adult patients. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of patients at risk for poor psychological outcomes and support the development of individualized nursing interventions.
Read the detailed description
Abdominal surgery is associated with considerable psychological stress before the operation. Patients frequently experience fear related to anesthesia, postoperative pain, surgical complications, uncertainty regarding recovery, and changes in daily functioning. Elevated levels of surgical fear have been associated with poorer psychological outcomes and may negatively affect perioperative adaptation.
Psychological well-being reflects an individual's positive psychological functioning and ability to maintain emotional balance during stressful life events. However, not all patients experiencing surgical fear demonstrate the same level of psychological well-being, suggesting that personal characteristics may influence this relationship.
Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding these individual differences. According to the theory, self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their capability to successfully perform behaviors required to manage challenging situations. Patients with higher self-efficacy are expected to perceive surgical stress as more manageable, use more effective coping strategies, and maintain better psychological well-being despite experiencing surgical fear.
Although previous studies have separately investigated surgical fear, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being, evidence regarding the moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being among patients undergoing abdominal surgery is limited.
This single-center analytical cross-sectional study will be conducted in the General Surgery Clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Research and Application Hospital. Adult patients scheduled for abdominal surgery will be recruited consecutively before surgery. Data will be collected using a Patient Information Form, the Surgical Fear Questionnaire, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Self-Efficacy Scale.
The primary objective of the study is to determine whether self-efficacy moderates the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being. The results are expected to contribute to theory-based nursing care by improving the identification of patients at risk for poor psychological adaptation and supporting the development of individualized psychosocial interventions.
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Psychological Well-Being
The scale consists of a single sub-dimension and 8 items. The items are Likert-type, ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree). The lowest possible score is 8 and the highest is 56. Higher scores on the scale are interpreted as an increase in psychological well-being.
Measured: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Surgical Fear
The Surgical Fear Scale will be used for assessment. The scale consists of 8 items and is an 11-point Likert-type scale, scored from 0 to 10. Each item is scored from 0, meaning "not afraid at all," to 10, meaning "very afraid." The scale measures fear of the short-term and long-term outcomes of surgery. The minimum possible score is 0, and the maximum is 40. A higher score indicates a high level of surgical fear.
Measured: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
Self-Efficacy
The Self-Efficacy Scale consists of 23 items on a 5-point Likert scale. It is used to measure general self-efficacy perception, not specific to any particular area. It has four sub-dimensions: initiating behavior, maintaining behavior, completing behavior, and overcoming obstacles. The minimum possible score on the scale is 23, and the maximum is 115. A higher score indicates a higher perception of self-efficacy.
Measured: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2026
- Study start15 May 2026
- Primary completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Surgical Fear and WorryingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 300 participants (estimated)
- Target duration
- 1 Day
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ezgi Arslan, Aydin Adnan Menderes University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07755293
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Surgical Fear and Well-Being
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The data sets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Moderating Effect of Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Surgical Fear and Psychological Well-Being in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Within the Framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07755293
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Surgical Fear and Well-Being
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 300 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Surgical fear is a common psychological response among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and may adversely affect psychological well-being during the perioperative period. Individual psychosocial characteristics, particularly self-efficacy, may influence how patients perceive and cope with surgical fear. This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being in patients undergoing abdominal surgery within the framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. Data will be collected preoperatively using validated questionnaires from 300 adult patients. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of patients at risk for poor psychological outcomes and support the development of individualized nursing interventions.
Detailed description
Abdominal surgery is associated with considerable psychological stress before the operation. Patients frequently experience fear related to anesthesia, postoperative pain, surgical complications, uncertainty regarding recovery, and changes in daily functioning. Elevated levels of surgical fear have been associated with poorer psychological outcomes and may negatively affect perioperative adaptation.
Psychological well-being reflects an individual's positive psychological functioning and ability to maintain emotional balance during stressful life events. However, not all patients experiencing surgical fear demonstrate the same level of psychological well-being, suggesting that personal characteristics may influence this relationship.
Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding these individual differences. According to the theory, self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their capability to successfully perform behaviors required to manage challenging situations. Patients with higher self-efficacy are expected to perceive surgical stress as more manageable, use more effective coping strategies, and maintain better psychological well-being despite experiencing surgical fear.
Although previous studies have separately investigated surgical fear, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being, evidence regarding the moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being among patients undergoing abdominal surgery is limited.
This single-center analytical cross-sectional study will be conducted in the General Surgery Clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Research and Application Hospital. Adult patients scheduled for abdominal surgery will be recruited consecutively before surgery. Data will be collected using a Patient Information Form, the Surgical Fear Questionnaire, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Self-Efficacy Scale.
The primary objective of the study is to determine whether self-efficacy moderates the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being. The results are expected to contribute to theory-based nursing care by improving the identification of patients at risk for poor psychological adaptation and supporting the development of individualized psychosocial interventions.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Target follow-up
- 1 Day
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adult patients scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery at the General Surgery Clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Research and Application Hospital who meet the eligibility criteria and provide informed consent will be consecutively enrolled in the study.
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery
- Able to read, speak, and understand Turkish
- Conscious and able to complete the questionnaires
- Willing to participate and provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Diagnosis of dementia
- Visual or hearing impairment preventing questionnaire completion
- Undergoing abdominal surgery due to cancer
- Refusal or withdrawal of participation at any stage of the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Psychological Well-Being
Time frame: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
The scale consists of a single sub-dimension and 8 items. The items are Likert-type, ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree). The lowest possible score is 8 and the highest is 56. Higher scores on the scale are interpreted as an increase in psychological well-being.
2 secondary outcomes
Surgical Fear
Time frame: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
Self-Efficacy
Time frame: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The data sets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Related trials for Surgical Fear and Worrying
Not yet recruiting
The Effect of Video-Supported Online Preoperative Education on Fear, Anxiety, Sleep, and Stress
Patient Education, Surgical Fear and Worrying
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Surgical Fear and Worrying and Well-Being, Psychological, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Psychological Well-Being (time frame: Preoperative assessment (within 24 hours before surgery)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.