Development and psychometric validation of a Domestic Violence Coping Self-efficacy Measure (DV-CSE)

Psychometric properties of a Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure were examined. Two-hundred eighty three women assaulted within the past 6 months were recruited. Internal reliability of the measure was very good (alpha = .97). Principle components factor analysis indicated one primary factor accounting for 56% of the variance. The measure was positively associated with optimism, adaptive coping, and healthy psychological functioning, and negatively associated with trauma-related distress, negative mood, and maladaptive coping. A small positive association with social desirability was found. This measure may have significant clinical utility in helping survivors by indicating areas where individuals feel especially vulnerable or empowered.