General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE)

The above self-report consists of 10 items, each rated on a 4-point scale:

1. I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.
2. If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want.
3. It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.
4. I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.
5. Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.
6. I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.
7. I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.
8. When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.
9. If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.
10. I can usually handle whatever comes my way.

Each of the 10 items is rated on a 4-point scale:

• Not at all true (1);
• Hardly true (2);
• Moderately true (3);
• Exactly true (4).

GSE scores range from 10 to 40, where the higher the score, the greater the individual’s generalised self-efficacy belief.

The construct reflects an optimistic self-belief and checks how the person copes with adversity in different life domains. The GSE can be correlated with emotion, optimism and work satisfaction. Negatively, it may reflect stress, burnout and anxiety.

Scholz, U., Dona, B. G., Sud, S., & Schwarzer, R. (2002). Is general self-efficacy a universal construct? Psychometric findings from 25 countries. European journal of psychological assessment, 18, 242-251. 

Schwarzer, R., & Fuchs, R. (1996). Self-efficacy and health behaviors. In M. Conner & P. Norman (Eds.), Predicting health behavior: Research and practice with social cognition models. (pp. 163-196) Buckingham, UK: Open University Press.