Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices with Children Self-Efficacy Scale: Development and Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACT

This article reviews existing measures related to evidence-based practices with children and self-efficacy and describes the development and psychometric properties of the Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices With Children Efficacy Scale. This scale was developed to assess students’ and clinicians’ self-efficacy in their abilities to use evidence-based practices with children. Pre- and posttests were compared for five cohorts of master’s of social work students enrolled in a child and adolescent mental health course. Results provide initial support for the psychometric properties of this scale. Exploratory factor analysis results support retaining all items, and internal consistency of the scale was excellent. Results also provide support for criterion-related validity, with knowledge predicting an increase in self-efficacy. Implications and uses of the scale are discussed.

Funding

This research was partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Division of Mental Health.

Additional information

Funding

This research was partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Division of Mental Health.

Notes on contributors

Lorri S. McMeel

Lorri S. McMeel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of St. Francis. Sonya J. Leathers is Professor and Tonya C. Strand is a Research Specialist at Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Sonya J. Leathers

Lorri S. McMeel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of St. Francis. Sonya J. Leathers is Professor and Tonya C. Strand is a Research Specialist at Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Tonya C. Strand

Lorri S. McMeel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of St. Francis. Sonya J. Leathers is Professor and Tonya C. Strand is a Research Specialist at Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.