Theoretical and empirical considerations of resourcefulness

Resourcefulness is important in preventing depression and promoting mental health. Three theoretical dimensions of resourcefulness are identified: self-control, self-direction, and self-efficacy. This small study evaluates Rosenbaum's (1980) Self-Control Schedule (SCS) as a measure of resourcefulness and provides initial reliability and validity estimates. Nursing clinicians were able to classify 83% of the SCS items into the three theoretical dimensions of resourcefulness. Subscales resulting from this classification were internally consistent. Factor analysis conducted in samples of depressed and nondepressed adults supported the classification of the SCS items. Future research is recommended to establish usefulness of the SCS instrument as an outcome measure of nursing interventions designed to promote resourcefulness.