Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy: Scale Development and Reliability

Robin D. Mittelstaedt, Ohio University
Jesse J. Jones, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [Graduate student working on Ph.D.]

Abstract

Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy: Scale Development and Reliability Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy holds much promise for understanding the value of participation in outdoor recreation. This study evaluated the factor structure and internal consistency of a new outdoor recreation self-efficacy measure. Factor analysis revealed two subscales; Enjoyment/Accomplishment (61.84%) and Skills/Competence (12.71%) accounting for 74.54% of the explained variance in outdoor recreation self-efficacy. Reliabilities for the Enjoyment/Accomplishment (=.95) and Skills/Competence ( =.94) subscales, and 17-item scale ( =.96) show a high degree of internal consistency. A significant relationship exists between ORSE scores and participation in outdoor recreation (r = .52; p < .001). Results indicated having fun and enjoying oneself during outdoor recreation activities contributed more to a woman’s self-efficacy than feeling skilled or competent, confirming Bandura’s thoughts about the nature of self-efficacy. Researchers can use this instrument with confidence; it provides a reliable and valid measure for assessing the self-efficacy of women who participate in outdoor recreation activities.

Recommended Citation

Mittelstaedt, Robin D. and Jones, Jesse J. (2009) "Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy: Scale Development and Reliability," Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/jorel/vol1/iss1/7