Elementary student self efficacy scale development and validation focused on student learning, peer relations, and resisting drug use

J Drug Educ. 2009;39(1):23-38. doi: 10.2190/DE.39.1.b.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of a child self efficacy scale for learning, peer interactions, and resisting pressure to use drugs, to use in an elementary school drug prevention education program based on social cognitive theory. A diverse cohort of 392 4th and 5th grade students completed the 20-item self efficacy scale and social support and social skills instruments. The results provide evidence for a valid and reliable 3-factor self efficacy scale. Subscale internal consistency reliability was good to excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75, 0.83, 0.91). Construct validity was supported by correlations between each subscale and social skills, social support, and demographic data. The scale has potential as a tool to measure self efficacy in children related to learning, peer interactions, and resisting peer pressure to use drugs and to help shape drug education programs.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Schools
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*