title: Brief self-efficacy scales for use in weight-loss trials: Preliminary evidence of validity.
abstract: Self-efficacy is a commonly included cognitive variable in weight-loss trials, but there is little uniformity in its measurement. Weight-loss trials frequently focus on physical activity (PA) and eating behavior, as well as weight loss, but no survey is available that offers reliable measurement of self-efficacy as it relates to each of these targeted outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of brief, pragmatic self-efficacy scales specific to PA, healthful eating and weight-loss (4 items each). An adult sample (n = 1,790) from 28 worksites enrolled in a worksite weight-loss program completed the self-efficacy scales, as well as measures of PA, dietary fat intake, and weight, at baseline, 6-, and 12-months. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized factor structure indicating, 3 latent self-efficacy factors, specific to PA, healthful eating, and weight-loss. Measurement equivalence/invariance between relevant demographic groups, and over time was also supported. Parallel growth processes in self-efficacy factors and outcomes (PA, fat intake, and weight) support the predictive validity of score interpretations. Overall, this initial series of psychometric analyses supports the interpretation that scores on these scales reflect self-efficacy for PA, healthful eating, and weight-loss. The use of this instrument in large-scale weight-loss trials is encouraged. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Kathryn E
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5847-5461
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Samantha M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Harden
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Fabio A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Wen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: You
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Jennie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Cody
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Goessl
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Fralin Translational Obesity Research Center, Virginia Tech.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Estabrooks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D015431:Weight Loss