A validity and reliability study of the coping self-efficacy scale.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the psychometric characteristics of the coping self-efficacy (CSE) scale, a 26-item measure of one's confidence in performing coping behaviors when faced with life challenges.


METHODS
Data came from two randomized clinical trials (N1=149, N2=199) evaluating a theory-based Coping Effectiveness Training (CET) intervention in reducing psychological distress and increasing positive mood in persons coping with chronic illness.


METHODS
The 348 participants were HIV-seropositive men with depressed mood who have sex with men. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and comparison conditions and assessed pre- and post-intervention. Outcome variables included the CSE scale, ways of coping, and measures of social support and psychological distress and well-being.


RESULTS
Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed a 13-item reduced form of the CSE scale with three factors: Use problem-focused coping (6 items, alpha=.91), stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts (4 items, alpha=.91), and get support from friends and family (3 items, alpha=.80). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability are strong for all three factors. Concurrent validity analyses showed these factors assess self-efficacy for different types of coping. Predictive validity analyses showed that residualized change scores in using problem- and emotion-focused coping skills were predictive of reduced psychological distress and increased psychological well-being over time.


CONCLUSIONS
The CSE scale provides a measure of a person's perceived ability to cope effectively with life challenges, as well as a way to assess changes in CSE over time in intervention research.
Chesney
Margaret A
MA
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-2182, USA. chesneym@mail.nih.gov
Neilands
Torsten B
TB
Chambers
Donald B
DB
Taylor
Jonelle M
JM
Folkman
Susan
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires