Self-efficacy Scale for Dancers (SESD): Construction and validity evidences

Abstract

Self-efficacy refers to judgments that people make about their own abilities. It is a concept used in Sport Psychology, but lacking instruments to dance. This study developed and verified the evidence of validity of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Dancers (SESD). We evaluated 410 dancers (10-19 years old) in national and international festivals of dance. The items were selected based on literature and practical experience with dance by the first author, and evaluated by six trained judges, obtaining 88.87% agreement (Kappa). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors for the 15-item instrument: Physical Self-Efficacy, with 7 items (a=0.82) and Psychological Self-Efficacy, with eight items (α=0.81), presenting good psychometric properties. We discuss the results in light of Psychometrics and importance for Psychology applied to the dance.