A psychometric evaluation of the coping self-efficacy scale among LGBTQ+ Veterans

Due to unique stressors faced by LGBTQ+ Veterans, it is important to understand how existing strengths, like coping self-efficacy, can be leveraged for health promotion efforts to improve outcomes for this population. Before clinical trials and program evaluation work is possible, critical measurement issues must be addressed. The present study advances psychometric testing of the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) among LGBTQ+ Veterans participating in the Pride in All Who Served (PRIDE) program including use of dynamic fit indices for factor structure evaluation. Validity indicators were chosen based on guidance from the Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization. Cross-sectional data collected for clinical program evaluation purposes were drawn from participants' pre-intervention questionnaires (N = 297). Data included self-reported demographics, coping self-efficacy, and health service use. Findings suggested a three-factor (i.e. problem-focused, thought-stopping, and use of social support) CSES structure with good to excellent internal reliability. For convergent validity, coping self-efficacy domains were associated with LGBTQ+ Veteran perceived health status, health behaviors, and service satisfaction in expected directions. Overall, our findings support the use of the CSES among LGBTQ+ Veteran populations to measure perceived coping self-efficacy. Recommendations for future research, psychometric testing, and clinical utility of the CSES are discussed.