The Hospital Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale: Initial Development

Abstract

The Hospital Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale (based on Bandura's social cognitive theory) was designed as an outcome measure of social workers'confidence regarding their ability to perform specific hospital social work tasks. The scale was developed during an evaluation of two types of social work field expenence (full-year placements vs. three sequential placements). Data supporting the reliability and validity of the scale are presented. Given continued support of its reliability and validity, the scale may have a variety of uses in studies of hospital social work. In addition, similar assessments of self-efficacy as an outcome may have utility in other fields of practice.