Validation of a Self-Report Measure of Self-Efficacy in Contamination Fear: The Contamination Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES)

Contamination fear is a common symptom of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Research suggests that self-efficacy, or perceived sense of mastery and confidence in a given situation, is an important determinant of anxiety and approach behavior. However, there is currently no published measure of self-efficacy for situations specifically involving perceived contamination. The current study aimed to validate a self-report measure of contamination-related self-efficacy, the Contamination Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), which was developed from an existing measure of self-efficacy in specific phobia. Four hundred and eighteen undergraduate students completed the CSES and measures of related constructs. The CSES demonstrated excellent internal consistency and retest reliability, as well as convergent, incremental, and divergent validity. Principal axis factoring revealed a one-factor structure for the CSES. Findings support the CSES as a valid and reliable measure of contamination-related self-efficacy, and are discussed in terms of self-efficacy theory and cognitive-behavioral treatment of contamination fears.