Hope and General Self-Efficacy: Comparing Two Similar Constructs and Measurement Scales

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the similarities and differences between the constructs of hope and general self-efficacy by analyzing the measurement scales of Schwarzer and Jerusalem’s General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (1995), and Snyder's Adult Hope Trait Scale (1991). The study was designed to determine if the measurement scales were distinct and whether hope scores explain variance beyond generalized self-efficacy scores when correlated with Diener's Flourishing Scale (2010) in measuring well-being. The study was administered to employees (n=267) of human service, non-profit organizations in an urban city of the Southern U.S. plains. The results of an exploratory factor analysis established that factors related to hope and general self-efficacy are separate and distinct measures, with some correlations and shared variance. After confirming these distinct constructs, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis established that hope explained variance beyond general self-efficacy when correlated with Diener's Flourishing Scale. There is evidence suggesting that hope may also have a mediating effect on the relationship between general self-efficacy and well-being. Lastly, as separate concepts have been established, the utility of hope may be a more useful variable for researchers in studies related to well-being.Keywords: Hope, General Self-Efficacy, Self-Efficacy, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Common Factor Analysis, Hierarchical Multiple Regression, Flourishing, Well-Being