Constructing self-efficacy scales

Abstract

Previous articles have thoroughly explained how self-efficacy and social cognitive theory can guide each step of the therapeutic recreation (TR) process: 1) assessment, 2) planning, 3) implementation, and 4) evaluation.1,2 This article expands that knowledge base by providing therapeutic recreation specialists (TRSs) with information on how to construct measures of self-efficacy. This information is important because many scales currently available are not appropriate for TRSs. If TRSs follow the guidelines presented in this article, the scales they develop should collect accurate appraisals of personal capability. Armed with this data, TRSs can place clients in appropriate programs and use the same scales to check the effectiveness of those programs in altering perceptions of efficacy and consequential behaviors. Key words: health promotion, measurement, self-efficacy, social cognitive theory