The Italian Version of the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSES): Structural Validity, Psychometric Properties, and Measurement Invariance

Background/Objectives: General Self-Efficacy (GSE) refers to an individual’s belief in their overall ability to perform effectively across various situations. Research shows that GSE is a key predictor of multiple outcomes, including psychological resilience, better health, and improved overall well-being across different populations and environments. Numerous tools have been developed to measure GSE, enhancing our understanding of self-efficacy and its broader implications. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSES) in a community sample of adults recruited through social media platforms. Methods: The NGSES was adapted into Italian following the back-translation procedure. A total of 811 participants (mean = 43.18; 68.8% females) completed the scale. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factorial structure of the questionnaire. Adjusted item-total correlations and internal consistency were assessed using McDonald’s omega. Additionally, multi-group CFA was used to test factorial invariance across gender. Results: The trimmed model exhibited a strong fit to the data: RMSEA = 0.068, CFI = 0.994, SRMR = 0.043. An omega coefficient of 0.872 confirmed the scale’s strong reliability. Convergent validity was established by a moderate and significant correlation with the NGSES. Configural, metric, scalar, and latent means invariance across genders were all confirmed. Conclusions: The NGSES was found to be a valid and reliable tool, suitable for both clinical and research applications in the Italian context. It can also inform the development of educational and therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing GSE in the general population.