Self-efficacy in health promotion research and practice: conceptualization and measurement

Abstract

This article examines the self-efficacy construct as it relates to health promotion research and practice. A conceptual analysis is provided to identify the consequences of self-efficacy and differentiate it from related constructs, and an operational analysis is presented to identify the relevant aspects of self-efficacy measurement which include level, strength and generality. Various considerations for the development of self-efficacy items including the need for behavioral specificity, the use of formative research and the wording of instructions are presented. We conclude by reiterating that there are no all purpose approaches to the measurement of self-efficacy—self-efficacy measures are by necessity tailored to specific domains of functioning and, in many cases, to specific populations. Methodological rigor in the assessment of self-efficacy requires application of elicitation research to identify appropriate competencies and challenges, and the casting of items in standardized and validated formats.