Two studies were conducted to develop scales for assessing self-efficacy to disclose HIV status to sex partners and negotiate safer sex practices among people living with HIV/AIDS. Elicitation research was used to derive 4 sets of scenarios with graduated situational demands that serve as stimulus materials in assessing self-efficacy. Two studies demonstrated that the self-efficacy scales for effective disclosure and negotiating safer sex practices were internally consistent, time stable over 1 month, and demonstrated evidence for validity. Self-efficacy scales also demonstrated evidence of criterion-related, convergent, and divergent validity. Reliable and valid instruments for assessing self-efficacy to make effective HIV status disclosure decisions and practice safer sex were therefore developed and these scales can be used in research to explain, predict, and enhance self-efficacy for these important behaviors.
