A new multidimensional scale for measuring self-efficacy beliefs in volleyball

The study aims to verify the structural validity of a short self-efficacy scale (13 items) in elite and non-elite volleyball athletes (Volleyball Multidimensional Self-Efficacy Scale; V-MSES). Based on Bandura's recommendations, the V-MSES, assesses technical/tactical and psychological skills, with 5-point response format. Confirmatory factor analyses conducted on a sample of 133 Italian athletes (64 males and 69 females), supported a four-factor structure (Technical/tactical skills, Regulation of emotions, Communication, Motivation to practice), that concur to the definition of a single latent construct of general self-efficacy at the second order level. V-MSES differentiates athletes based on their level of competition: elite athletes showed higher values on all self-efficacy facets. In summary, our results confirmed V-MSES as useful instrument to measure self-efficacy in volleyball athletes.