Optimistic self-beliefs: Assessment of general perceived self-efficacy in thirteen cultures

Abstract

Do I need permission to use the general general perceived self-efficacy (GSE) scale? You do not need our explicit permission to utilize the scale in your research studies. We hereby grant you permission to use and reproduce the General Self-Efficacy Scale for your study, given that appropriate recognition of the source of the scale is made in the write-up of your study.The international source is: Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, M. (1995). Generalized Self-Efficacy scale. In J. Weinman, S. Wright, & M. Johnston, Measures in health psychology: A user's portfolio. Causal and control beliefs (pp. 35-37). Windsor, England: NFER-NELSON.The source for the German version is: Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, M. (Eds.). (1999). Skalen zur Erfassung von Lehrer- und Sch�lermerkmalen: Dokumentation der psychometrischen Verfahren im Rahmen der Wissenschaftlichen Begleitung des Modellversuchs Selbstwirksame Schulen. Berlin: Freie Universit�t Berlin.You have to decide which one fits your research question. If you intend to predict a particular behavior you are better off with a specific scale. You might be best off by designing your own items, tailored to your study, such as: "I am certain that I can do ...xy..., even if ...zz ..." ( 1 2 3 4 ).Health-specific self-efficacy scales can be found at: http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~health/healself.pdfFor the English version of the teacher self-efficacy scale, see Schwarzer & Hallum (2008).If you are interested in other health behavior constructs, consult the NCI Health Behavior Constructs Website: http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/constructs Items: all with Response Format 1 = Not at all true 2 = Hardly true 3 = Moderately true 4 = Exactly true1I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.2If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want. 3It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.4I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.5Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.6I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.7I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.8When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.9If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.10I can usually handle whatever comes my way.What is the scoring procedure for the GSE? Add up all responses to a sum score. The range is from 10 to 40 points. Or use a mean score, such as: COMPUTE SEFF = Mean (SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE7, SE8, SE9, SE10).In many samples the mean had been around 2.9 Can I use some original data to compare with my own data? Yes, there is an international data set as an SPSS SAV file that includes about 18,000 respondents. Available for free download at: http://www.fu-berlin.de/gesund/gesu_engl/world_zip.htm