Reliability and validity testing of the Self-Efficacy for Functional Activities Scale

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Self-efficacy, or confidence in one's ability to perform tasks, is crucial for functional independence.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) encompass essential self-care tasks.
• Assessing functional self-efficacy is important for interventions targeting older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and operationalize self-efficacy expectations for functional activities.
• To develop and refine the Self-Efficacy for Functional Activities (SEFA) scale.
• To provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the SEFA scale in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Individuals rated their confidence in performing specific Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
• The Self-Efficacy for Functional Activities (SEFA) scale was developed, initially with 27 items, then revised to 9 items.
• Pilaf testing and two additional studies were conducted to evaluate the scale.

Main Results:

• The revised 9-item SEFA scale focuses on performing ADLs independently or with assistance.
• Initial pilaf testing led to scale refinement.
• Subsequent studies provided evidence supporting the SEFA scale's reliability and validity.

Conclusions:

• The Self-Efficacy for Functional Activities (SEFA) scale effectively measures confidence in performing ADLs.
• The 9-item SEFA scale demonstrates reliability and validity in older adult populations.
• The SEFA scale can be a valuable tool for assessing functional self-efficacy in geriatric populations.