Analysis

Generalized Self-Efficacy refers to an individual’s general belief in their abilities to achieve desired outcomes in various life situations. The measure of generalized self-efficacy assesses a person’s conviction that they can confront and overcome challenges and achieve their goals, regardless of how demanding the circumstances may be.

Objective

The main objective of the generalized self-efficacy measure is to assess an individual’s general belief in their abilities to succeed in different life situations and to evaluate how generalized self-efficacy influences performance and success in personal and professional settings.

Calibration

The measurement of generalized self-efficacy is usually conducted through questions rated on a Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 or 7 (strongly agree).

References

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.
Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, M. (1995). Generalized Self-Efficacy scale. In J. Weinman, S. Wright, & M. Johnston (Eds.), Measures in Health Psychology: A User’s Portfolio (pp. 35-37). NFER-NELSON.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.
Sherer, M., Maddux, J. E., Mercandante, B., Prentice-Dunn, S., Jacobs, B., & Rogers, R. W. (1982). The self-efficacy scale: Construction and validation. Psychological Reports, 51(2), 663-671.
Jerusalem, M., & Schwarzer, R. (1992). Self-efficacy as a resource factor in stress appraisal processes. In R. Schwarzer (Ed.), Self-Efficacy: Thought Control of Action (pp. 195-213). Hemisphere Publishing Corporation.