Validation of the Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES).

PURPOSE: To develop and examine the psychometric properties of a newly developed Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES) designed to assess self-efficacy in using participation strategies following a stroke.

METHOD: One hundred and sixty-six subjects with mild to moderate stroke were recruited and interviewed using the PS-SES. The principal axis factoring analysis was run to examine the factor structure, and internal consistency was assessed by computing Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

RESULTS: The final measure is a 35-item scale with six subscales: (1) managing home participation, (2) staying organized, (3) planning and managing community participation, (4) managing work/productivity, (5) managing communication, and (6) advocating for resources. The instrument demonstrated high internal consistency.

CONCLUSION: The PS-SES is a reliable measure offering unique information regarding self-efficacy in managing participation. Implications for Rehabilitation Post-stroke participation requires complex management of resources, information, and strategies. There is a gap in instruments that can assess self-efficacy in managing participation following a stroke. The PS-SES is a valid tool measuring self-efficacy in using participation strategies in home, work, and community contexts.