[The validity and reliability of the general self-efficacy scale-Turkish form].
OBJECTIVE
Self-efficacy, which is a basic construct in social cognitive theory, has been defined as one's belief in his/her ability to start, continue, and complete an action in a manner that has an impact on his/her environment. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the General Self-Efficacy Scale-Turkish Form.


METHODS
The General Self-Efficacy Scale-Turkish Form was administered to 895 individuals ?18 years of age that had at least 5 years of education. Exploratory factor analysis, criterion validity testing (using the Beck Depression Scale, Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, Locus of Control Scale, Learned Resourcefulness Scale, and Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory), internal consistency analysis, and test-retest reliability analysis were performed.


RESULTS
The 3-factor structure of the scale explained 41.5% of the observed variance. Correlations between the General Self-Efficacy Scale-Turkish Form and the other measures were statistically significant. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.80 and the test-retest reliability coefficient estimated from data for 236 individuals that were contacted for follow-up was 0.69.


CONCLUSIONS
The General Self-Efficacy Scale-Turkish Form is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of general self-efficacy in individuals ?18 years of age with at least 5 years of education.
yildirimfatma@yahoo.com
Fatma
F
Yildirim
Inci Ozgür
IO
Ilhan
D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D004777:Environment; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs / Q000592:standards*; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult