Developing a Questionnaire to Assess Self-Efficacy in the Teaching Profession

Abstract

In Japan, school teachers experience mental health issues, leading to absences or leave from their duties. While extended working hours significantly contribute to this problem, diminished self-esteem has emerged as the primary causal factor. Reduced self-esteem is frequently correlated with diminished self-efficacy across multiple facets of teaching. Consequently, fostering self-efficacy in the teaching profession is essential for preventing health-related problems. In this regard, early intervention among students aspiring to become school teachers is crucial for prevention. This study aimed to develop a self-efficacy questionnaire tailored for students pursuing teaching careers, as effective preventive interventions require scales to evaluate self-efficacy. Following the development of an original questionnaire with both content and face validity, a web-based survey was administered to the participants via a Japanese survey company. The analysis included 422 participants (176 males and 246 females). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed factorial validity, identifying three distinct factors: collaboration with others, student guidance, and classroom and teaching management. Additionally, a higher-order factor denoting global self-efficacy in the profession emerged from the total scores of these three factors. Internal consistency was observed across all subscales and the global scale, with scores demonstrating an undistorted distribution, indicative of a normal distribution. The study concludes with a discussion of its limitations and suggestions for future research. This questionnaire could facilitate the implementation of diverse interventions aimed at promoting teachers’ well-being and adaptability.