Development of a measure of collective efficacy within personal networks: A complement to self-efficacy in self-management support?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate the Collective Efficacy of Networks (CENS) questionnaire to measure perceived collective efficacy within personal social networks. MethodsA mixed methods approach was used, guided by theory and with extensive input from adults with long-term conditions who completed the initial questionnaire (n = 78) with test-retest assessed at 2 weeks (n = 68). A second sample (n = 85) completed a postal questionnaire including CENS, theoretically linked constructs (self-efficacy, social support) and health outcomes (loneliness, mental and physical health). ResultsPrincipal components analysis demonstrated a two-factor structure with 12-items selected to represent Network responsiveness (8 items, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.896) and Access to collective efficacy (4 items, Cronbach’s alpha = .773). Good test-retest reliability was established for both subscales (ricc = .793–.853). Network responsiveness was associated with self-efficacy (r = 342, p = . < 001) and social support (r = .407, p < .001) and predicted reduced loneliness. Access to collective efficacy significantly predicted better mental health; the predictive validity of the subscales improved when combined with self-efficacy. ConclusionThe CENS is an acceptable and psychometrically robust measure of collective efficacy in personal social networks. Practice implicationsMeasuring collective efficacy with self-efficacy will provide useful information for researchers and policymakers interested in capacity for self-management and social determinants of behaviour change.