General Self-Efficacy Scale

What it measures

Measures the belief in one's own ability to deal with a variety of demanding or novel situations. Reflects an optimistic self-belief about coping capacity. Validated in 33 countries with normative data available.

Response format

Likert (1–4, not at all true to exactly true); total 10–40

Representative items

• I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.
• If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want.
• It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.
• I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.
• Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.

Usage notes & scoring

Freely available from Ralf Schwarzer's website with country-specific norms. Higher scores = greater self-efficacy. Distinct from domain-specific self-efficacy measures — captures general appraisal of coping capacity.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, M. (1995). Generalised self-efficacy scale. In J. Weinman, S. Wright, & M. Johnston (Eds.), Measures in health psychology: A user's portfolio (pp. 35–37). NFER-NELSON.

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