What is the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSS)?

The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSS) is a 10-item questionnaire that assesses optimistic self-beliefs to cope with various difficult demands in life.

Who developed the GSS and when?

Developed by Ralf Schwarzer and Matthias Jerusalem in 1995.

What type of assessment is the GSS?

It is a self-report questionnaire using a 4-point Likert scale.

What does the GSS assess?

• General sense of self-efficacy
• Belief in ability to cope with challenges
• Confidence in problem-solving abilities
• Optimistic outlook on handling difficulties

How many items and what format?

10 items, rated 1-4 (1=Not at all true, 4=Exactly true).

How is the GSS scored?

Total score 10-40; higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy.

Are there versions of the GSS?

10-item standard version; available in multiple languages.

Who can use the GSS?

Adults and adolescents; widely used in psychology and health research.

What are the strengths of the GSS?

Reliable, valid, cross-culturally applicable.

What are the limitations of the GSS?

Self-report bias; context-specific self-efficacy may vary.

How is the GSS used?

Clinical assessment, research, intervention evaluation.