SELF-EFFICACY IN HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE - CONCEPTUALIZATION AND MEASUREMENT

This article examines the self-efficacy construct as it relates to hea lth promotion research and practice. A conceptual analysis is provided to identify the consequences of self-efficacy and differentiate it fr om related constructs, and an operational analysis is presented to ide ntify the relevant aspects of self-efficacy measurement which include level, strength and generality. Various considerations for the develop ment of self-efficacy items including the need for behavioral specific ity, the use of formative research and the wording of instructions are presented. We conclude by reiterating that there are no all purpose a pproaches to the measurement of self-efficacy-self-efficacy measures a re by necessity tailored to specific domains of functioning and, in ma ny cases, to specific populations. Methodological rigor in the assessm ent of self-efficacy requires application of elicitation research to i dentify appropriate competencies and challenges, and the casting of it ems in standardized and validated formats.