Item-level factor analysis of the Self-Efficacy Scale.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Psychometrics
• Pain Management

Background:

• The Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) is a crucial tool for assessing perceived self-efficacy.
• Previous modifications adapted the SES for broader pain conditions, including subacute whiplash-associated disorders.
• Understanding the SES's internal structure is vital for accurate interpretation of patient self-efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the internal structure of the Swedish version of the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES).
• To determine the underlying factors of the SES in patients with subacute whiplash-associated disorders.
• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the modified SES for diverse pain populations.

Main Methods:

• Item response analysis and factor analysis were employed to examine the SES structure.
• Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify underlying factors.
• Data were collected from 47 patients with subacute whiplash-associated disorders.

Main Results:

• The analysis identified two primary underlying factors within the SES: 'social activities' and 'physical activities'.
• Seven items loaded significantly onto the 'social activities' factor.
• Seven items loaded significantly onto the 'physical activities' factor, with six items requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that the SES, in its modified Swedish version, primarily measures self-efficacy related to social and physical activities in whiplash patients.
• Further analysis is recommended for the six items that did not clearly load onto the identified factors.
• These findings contribute to refining the SES for use in pain management and rehabilitation research.