The self-efficacy for regular meditation practice scale (SERMS): Development and psychometric validation
Carly Hunt, Janelle E. Letzen, Dana Direnzio, Neda F Gould, Erica Ms Sibinga, Maria Vetter, Caroline Webb, Patrick H. Finan, Chung Jung Mun
Journal of Health Psychology September 30, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241274462 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new scale, the Self-Efficacy for Regular Meditation Practice Scale (SERMS), was developed to measure confidence in one's ability to meditate regularly and secure the psychological, social, and structural supports needed. Online survey data were collected at baseline and one-week follow-up. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 249) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 249) revealed a three-factor structure: self-efficacy to benefit from meditation, persist in meditation, and obtain teacher and community support. Validity and test-retest reliability coefficients indicated the SERMS is a promising measure for studying meditation behavior adoption.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Scale development and validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 498 |
| Population | Online survey participants |
| Duration | 1-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Exploratory factor analysis Confirmatory factor analysis Context archaeology Clinical psychology |
| Key finding | The SERMS has a three-factor structure measuring self-efficacy to benefit from meditation, persist in meditation, and obtain teacher and community support, with good validity and reliability. |
Abstract
The health benefits of meditation are well-documented, yet people struggle to practice regularly. Domain-specific self-efficacy is an important modifiable driver of health behavior change that is poorly understood in the meditation context. As such, the present study developed the Self-Efficacy for Regular Meditation Practice Scale (SERMS) assessing confidence in one’s capacity to meditate frequently and in a way that favorably impacts well-being, including securing the psychological, social, and structural supports needed for ongoing practice. Participants provided online survey data at baseline and 1-week follow-up. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted ( n = 249) followed by confirmatory factor analysis ( n = 249). A three-factor structure best fit the data, with subscales measuring self-efficacy to benefit from meditation, persist in meditation, and obtain teacher and community support. Validity and test-retest reliability coefficients supported the SERMS as a promising measure of self-efficacy for meditation that may further research on meditation behavior adoption.