Validation of a Swedish version of the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of a Swedish Version of the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale on two groups of patients: 25 patients with chronic pain and 24 rheumatology patients. Scores on the three subscales of the self-efficacy instrument--for controlling pain, for controlling function of daily living activities, and for controlling other symptoms--were correlated with indicators of present pain status and scores on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales. All correlations were in the direction predicted by self-efficacy theory, providing evidence for the construct validity of the scale. In addition the two patient groups differed significantly on the three subscales indicating evidence for the discriminant validity of the instrument.