title: Function Self-Efficacy Scale-FSES: Development, Evaluation, and Contribution to Well-Being.
abstract: This article describes the development and validation of the Function Self-Efficacy Scale (FSES) for assessing the degree of confidence in self-functioning while facing decline in health and function (DHF). The FSES was evaluated in two studies of older Israelis, aged 75+ years. Data were collected by structured home interviews. Exploratory factor analyses conducted in both studies clearly revealed two underlying factors: emotion self-efficacy and action self-efficacy. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in acceptable model fit criteria. The shortened final 13-item FSES had good internal consistency and satisfactory criterion and convergent validity. Multiple regression analyses, conducted to predict subjective well-being in each of the studies, showed that function self-efficacy had a positive and significant contribution to the explanation of well-being, while controlling for general self-efficacy, self-rated health, and sociodemographic variables. We propose that appropriate interventions can strengthen function self-efficacy, thus improving the well-being of elderly persons and their ability to cope with DHF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel tovelh@bgu.ac.il.
authors.forename: Hava
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tovel
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carmel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: elderly; function; health; self-efficacy; well-being