General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE)

Self-efficacy is your belief in your own ability to cope with difficult demands and achieve goals. It influences how you approach challenges, how much effort you invest, and how long you persist in the face of setbacks. It is a key concept in Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory.

Each of the 10 items is scored 1–4, so your total ranges from 10 to 40. Scores of 10–19 suggest lower self-efficacy, 20–30 suggest moderate self-efficacy, and 31–40 suggest higher self-efficacy. Higher scores reflect a stronger general belief in your ability to cope.

The General Self-Efficacy Scale was developed by Schwarzer and Jerusalem (1995) based on Bandura's theory of self-efficacy. It measures optimistic self-beliefs about coping with a variety of difficult demands in life and has been validated across more than 30 languages.

Yes. Self-efficacy is not a fixed trait. It grows through mastery experiences (repeated small successes), observing similar others succeed, receiving verbal encouragement, and managing stress. Deliberate practice and supportive environments can strengthen it over time.