Comparative utility of a single-item versus multiple-item measure of self-efficacy in predicting relapse among young adults

Abstract

Single-item measures of psychological experiences are often viewed as psychometrically suspect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and utility of a single-item measure of self-efficacy in a clinical sample of treatment-seeking young adults. Inpatient young adults (N=303; Age 18–24; 26% female) were assessed at intake to residential treatment, end of treatment, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-months following discharge. The single-item measure of self-efficacy consistently correlated positively with a well-established 20-item measure of self-efficacy and negatively with temptation scores from the same scale, demonstrating convergent and discriminant validity. It also consistently predicted relapse to substance use at 1-, 3- and 6-month assessments post discharge, even after controlling for other predictors of relapse (e.g., controlled environment), while global or subscale scores of the 20-item scale did not. Based on these findings, we encourage the use of this single-item measure of self-efficacy in research and clinical practice.

Age, Period, and Cohort Differences in Work Centrality and Work Values

“…Unlike other researchers who used these variables to create latent variables based on complex scaling techniques (e.g., [38][39][40]), we want to keep our variables simple. When analyzing unidimensional or global constructs like work centrality, single-item measures reduce the common method variance and have better face-validity and according to empirical analyses they are appropriate and provide useful information [41][42][43][44].…”

Heritage tourism, CSR and the role of employee environmental behaviour

“…However, this approach is increasingly accepted in the academic literature and is appropriate under certain conditions (Fuchs & Diamantopoulos, 2009;Hoeppner, Kelly, Urbanoski, & Slaymaker, 2011;Mende, Bolton, & Bitner, 2013). Moreover, single-item measures are likely to be more appropriate for experiments situated in organisations, given the individuals'/employees' willingness, time restrictions or lack of appropriate incentives to motivate filling in extensive questionnaires (Biner & Kidd, 1994;Deutskens, De Ruyter, Wetzels & Oosterveld, 2004).…”

Using the TAM and Functional Analysis to Predict the Most Used Functions of an Active Learning Classroom (ALC)

“…Wanous et al (1997) suggest that in particular situational constraints, single-item scales can be as robust as a well-constructed scale. Many studies have demonstrated the reliability of the single-item scale (see Hoeppner et al, 2011;Leung and Xu, 2013). For the purpose of this study, a full scale would dramatically increase the length of the situational questionnaire (nine utility functions by three variables by four items).…”