Addiction counseling self-efficacy scale (ACSES): development and initial validation.
This article reports on the development of the Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES) through two studies. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a five-factor solution that accounted for 65% of the variance. The five factors obtained assess various aspects of addiction counselors' perceived self-efficacy for working with clients in the areas of (a) specific addiction counseling skills, (b) assessment, treatment planning, and referral skills, (c) co-occurring disorders skills, (c) group counseling skills, and (d) basic counseling skills. Reliability estimates suggest that the ACSES is internally reliable. Initial criterion validity is supported through comparisons of certified/licensed and noncertified/licensed addiction counselors on ACSES scores and among level of expertise in the addiction field, specific work activities, and ACSES scores. Preliminary evidence indicates that the ACSES is a reliable and valid instrument to use when assessing addiction counselors' self-efficacy for working with clients. The next steps in the development of ACSES are also discussed.
Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA. murdocktb@umkc.edu
Tamera B
TB
Murdock
Alicia M
AM
Wendler
Johanna E
JE
Nilsson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D004651:Employment; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires