The Generalized Self-Efficacy scale is a self-reported measure that includes 10 items designed to assess individual perceptions about self-efficacy, based on the original Generalized Self-Efficacy scale (Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995). Different aspects of self-efficacy—that is, an optimistic sense of personal competence—captured by the scale include determination, problem-solving, and ability to cope.
Multi-Country
Response Options:
Not at all true - 1
Hardly true - 2
Moderately true - 3
Exactly true - 4
GEOGRAPHIES TESTED:
POPULATIONS INCLUDED:
Female
Male
AGE RANGE:
Adolescents
Adults
The possible response range for each item is 1 to 4. Responses to all 10 items are summed with final score values ranging from 10 to 40; higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy.
PRIMARY CITATION:
Scholz, U., Doña, B. G., Sud, S., & Schwarzer, R. (2002). Is general self-efficacy a universal construct? Psychometric findings from 25 countries. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 18(3), 242-251. https://doi.org/10.1027//1015-5759.18.3.242
Qualitative Research
Existing Literature/Theoretical Framework
Field Expert Input
Cognitive Interviews / Pilot Testing
Internal
Test-retest
Interrater
Content
Face
Criterion (gold-standard)
Construct
Total Score: 3.00/8 Points (MEDIUM)
For more details, see Scoring Methodology