THE HOSPITAL SOCIAL-WORK SELF-EFFICACY SCALE - INITIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Hospital Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale (based on Bandura's socia l cognitive theory) was designed as an outcome measure of social worke rs' confidence regarding their ability to perform specific hospital so cial work tasks. The scale was developed during an evaluation of two t ypes of social work field experience (full-year placements vs. three s equential placements). Data supporting the reliability and validity of the scale are presented. Given continued support of its reliability a nd validity, the scale may have a variety of uses in studies of hospit al social work In addition, similar assessments of self-efficacy as an outcome may have utility in other fields of practice.