Self-efficacy, a psychologic construct defined as one's confidence in performing a particular behavior, is a significant predictor of psychologic well-being, adherence to prescribed treatments, and pain coping mechanisms in persons who have arthritis. This article reviews the theory of self-efficacy, describes application of self-efficacy to the management of osteoarthritis (OA), and presents approaches to enhancing the patient's self-efficacy in management of OA and prevention of OA-related disability.