Assessment of professional self-efficacy in psychological interventions and psychotherapy sessions: Development of the Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale (T-SES) and its application for eTherapy

J Clin Psychol. 2022 Nov;78(11):2122-2144. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23391. Epub 2022 May 26.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop the Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale (T-SES), and test its validity in a sample of Italian mental health therapists, to assess their professional self-efficacy concerning their practice of eTherapy in a synchronous video-based setting.

Methods: A sample of 322 Italian mental health professionals (37.6% psychologists, 62.4% psychotherapists; Mage = 38.48, SD = 8.509) completed an online survey.

Results: The T-SES showed a clear, one-factor structure with good psychometric properties. Significant associations were found with insight orientation, general self-efficacy, self-esteem, and personality traits of openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. The results showed no differences between psychologists and psychotherapists, or differences based on years of experience.

Conclusion: The T-SES is an agile and versatile self-report measure for mental health professionals to assess their self-efficacy concerning their therapeutic activity, which can provide information for tailoring training for eTherapy.

Keywords: Therapist's effectiveness; Therapist's self-concept; mental health; online therapy; professional self-efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychosocial Intervention
  • Psychotherapy / methods
  • Self Efficacy*