Traumatic brain hemorrhage (TBH) often results in persistent cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions, with traditional rehabilitation models failing to adequately address self-efficacy and environmental interactions. Stage-based nursing interventions grounded in social cognitive theory (SCT) synergize cognitive restructuring, behavioral reinforcement, and environmental support. However, their application in TBH remains understudied. Aiming to examine the impact of SCT-based stage nursing interventions on cognitive function, self-management, self-efficacy, and daily living ability in TBH patients, a total of 105 TBH patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group(n = 53) and a control group(n = 52) by using a random number method. The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy, while the intervention group received stage-based nursing interventions based on SCT in addition to conventional therapy. Changes in cognitive function, self-management ability, self-efficacy, and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Cognitive function was assessed by using the Montreal cognitive assessment-basic(MoCA-Basic), self-management ability was evaluated by using the appraisal of self-care agency scale-revised(ASAS-R-C), self-efficacy was measured by using the general self-efficacy scale(GSES), and activities of daily living were assessed by using the Barthel index. The results reveal that after the SCT-based stage nursing intervention, the intervention group show significantly higher scores on MoCA-Basic, ASAS-R-C, GSES, and the Barthel index compared to the control group(P < 0.05), with substantial improvements observed across all indicators. Stage-based nursing interventions grounded in SCT can significantly enhance cognitive function, self-management, self-efficacy, and activities of daily living in TBH patients, demonstrating considerable clinical value.