To assess the relationship between self-efficacy, the belief that an individual can succeed at a goal, and short-term treatment outcome in children with functional constipation.

Patients with functional constipation age 8-16 years completed the Self-Efficacy for Functional Constipation Questionnaire (SEFCQ), consisting of 14 statements about performing tasks needed for defecation. Patients completed SEFCQ before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after their clinic visit. Treatment success was defined as ≥3 bowel movements into the toilet and no fecal incontinence in the third week.

75% of patients had a successful outcome. Scores were higher in the group that was successful than in those that failed before, immediately after the visit, and 3 weeks later (P < .001). Self-efficacy improved at all time points in the group that was successful (P < .001). In the group that failed, scores improved immediately after clinic visit (P < .01) but were unchanged at follow-up (P > .05).

Improved self-efficacy is associated with successful outcomes in children with functional constipation, thus, it may be beneficial to enhance self-efficacy for defecation during treatment.