Impact of Perceived Health Competence on the Quality of Life of Emerging Adults With Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

Emerging adults with chronic health conditions (CHCs) face additional challenges compared to their peers during this transitional period, which can exacerbate their symptoms and negatively impact their quality of life (QoL). This study assessed the impact of CHC status and the potential protective factor of perceived health competence (PHC) on QoL. Nine hundred twenty-nine emerging adults, aged 18–25 years ( M age = 22.19, SD = 1.95; 55% female), participated in the current study as part of a larger online survey. Results showed that those with a CHC reported significantly lower QoL than those without a CHC. Additionally, higher PHC was associated with higher QoL for both groups of emerging adults. Although the current study identified some factors that may differentially impact this positive association, the results consistently suggest that promotion of emerging adults’ PHC may play a key role in improving their QoL during this transitional period, regardless of CHC status.