A new self-efficacy scale for people with a spinal cord injury; The General and Spinal Cord Injury Specific Self-efficacy Scale (G-SCI-SeS).

STUDY

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to be the first validation of the General and Spinal Cord Injury Specific Self-efficacy Scale (G-SCI-SeS), designed to capture both trait-like (general) and state-like (disease or SCI-specific) dimensions of self-efficacy (SE).

SETTING

Participants were followed from post-acute rehabilitation up to five years after discharge in the Netherlands.

METHODS

In the latest follow-up of a longitudinal spinal cord injury cohort, the G-SCI-SeS was administered alongside a general SE scale, two disease-specific SE scales, a distress scale and a life satisfaction scale.

RESULTS

Among 142 participants with complete data, confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor structure, which demonstrated superior fit compared to a one-factor model. Internal consistency was excellent for the total score and General SE subscale, and good for the SCI-specific subscale. No floor effects and minimal ceiling effects were observed. Score distributions were non-normal, with a tendency toward higher values for all SE scales. Intercorrelations between the G-SCI-SeS and other SE scales were strong, even where moderate correlations were hypothesized.

CONCLUSIONS

The G-SCI-SeS demonstrated a robust two-factor structure and moderate-to-good construct validity. Strong correlations between trait and state SE measures may reflect convergence of these constructs in the chronic phase of SCI. Developed through an iterative process incorporating cognitive interviews, the G-SCI-SeS appears suitable for clinical and research use. Further studies should investigate other forms of validity and the sensitivity of the G-SCI-SeS to change from the sub-acute phase to the chronic phase.