Adaptation of Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale into the Latvian Language

Abstract

Self-efficacy is among the most critical factors for academic performance achievements, language acquisition and proficiency in general language skills. General Self-Efficacy Scale is widely used in educational and language acquisition research. The goal of this study was adaptation and evaluation of equivalence of psychometric properties of Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale in the Latvian language. The original scale is based on social cognitive theory, and assesses an individual's sense of personal self-efficacy, relates the ability to cope with everyday difficulties and stressful situations. The research questions were: 1) How does Latvian translation be equivalent to the original scale’s attributes? 2) What is the internal consistency of the adapted scale? 3) Does the psychometric indicators of the adapted scale meet the statistical requirements? 4) Are there gender differences between the items of the adapted scale? The sample as a whole was relatively young (N=140, female N= 70, male N=70) aged 14 to 57 (M = 26.14, SD = 3.45). The results of the study indicate that the adapted version of the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale is suitable for use in the Latvian population.