And so, I used the most recent version of General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) (Annex 1) designed by Schwarzer and Jerusalem. This questionnaire evaluates how individuals perceived their own ability to succeed in the face of new situations or life stresses. The 1995 scale (Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, 1995) – an updated version of the one they developed in 1979 – has been adapted in about 33 languages. This GSE scale has been widely used, mainly outside of the USA, (Scherbaum & Kern, 2006).
Positive correlations were found between general self-efficacy and optimism, as well as with well-being and the use of better coping strategies. While negative correlation were found between GSE and depression, stress and anxiety (Luszczynska, Scholz, & Schwarzer, 2005) as well as with procrastination (Scholz, Gutiérrez Doña, Sud, & Schwarzer, 2002). More important to me at this time is the demonstrated relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance (McKenzie & Schweitzer, 2001; Multon, Brown, & Lent,