The Mediating Role of Self-Confidence in Medical Students’ Attitudes and Clinical Performance Toward People with Disability

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of self-confidence in shaping the relationship between gender and year of enrollment, and medical students’ attitudes towards people with disability (PWD), and their clinical performance particularly in cultural contexts where stigma is prevalent. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of an internal assessment at a private medical school in Lebanon, involving 143 medical students from all four years of the program. Mediation analysis with PROCESS macro, was used to explore the impact of self-confidence on students’ attitudes and clinical performance with PWD. Results: Students in higher years of medical training demonstrated more positive attitudes and better clinical performance with PWD, mediated by greater self-confidence. Conversely, female students reported lower self-confidence, negatively influencing their attitudes and clinical interactions with PWD. Discussion: This research highlights the critical role of self-confidence in mediating medical students’ attitudes and performance with PWD. Findings suggest the need for curriculum reforms to incorporate disability-focused training and additionally address gender-specific barriers to confidence-building.