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Wellbeing

General Self-Efficacy Scale — GSES (10 items)

The GSES by Schwarzer & Jerusalem (1995) measures general self-efficacy — your belief that you can cope with demanding situations and achieve your goals. Translated into 30+ languages and one of the most widely used scales in health and positive psychology.

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📋 10 questions⏱ ~3 min🔬 Adaptation: Schwarzer & Jerusalem (1995) — Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale
About this scale: General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Schwarzer & Jerusalem (1995)
Original instrument
General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Schwarzer & Jerusalem (1995). Official source
Original version
Items: 10 · Response scale: 1–4, from “not at all true” to “exactly true”
This version
Items: 10 · Response scale: 1–4 · Reverse-scored items: 0 · Scores reported: 1. This version uses the items of the original scale, in English or in translation.
Scoring
Each score is the mean of its items, with reverse-scored items flipped, shown on a 0–100 scale.
Terms of use
Free for research and non-commercial use, citing the original publication.

⚠️ Important notice: Test results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If in doubt, consult a specialist. Medical disclaimer

By starting, you confirm that the results are for educational purposes only.

No account, no personal details — you see your result right away and your answers stay private.

What does this test measure?

Dimensions measured in this test

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one's ability to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.

How does the test work?

The test consists of 10 questions. For each one, choose the response that fits you best. There are no right or wrong answers — respond honestly and spontaneously.

Completing the test takes approximately 3 minutes. You can take it on a computer or phone — your answers are saved automatically.

How to interpret results?

After completing the test, you will receive detailed results for each dimension along with interpretation. Your scores are compared against population norms, so you can see how you compare to others.

Scientific basis

This test is based on established scientific literature and is used in psychological research worldwide. Questions come from public, validated psychometric instruments.

Sources

  • Schwarzer R, Jerusalem M. Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale. In: Weinman J, Wright S, Johnston M, eds. Measures in Health Psychology: A User's Portfolio. NFER-NELSON; 1995:35-37.

Content last updated: July 10, 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Is this test free?▼

Yes, the test is fully free — every question, the scoring and the result with a dimension-by-dimension interpretation. You see your result immediately after the last answer, with no registration, e-mail or card required. An extended PDF report is available as an optional purchase, but you do not need it to see and understand your score.

How long does it take to complete?▼

It takes about 3 minutes — the test has 10 questions, each answered with a single click on a scale. There is no time limit, you can go at your own pace, and a progress bar shows how much is left. You get the most accurate results by answering spontaneously rather than deliberating over single items.

Are the results accurate?▼

The test is based on a published, validated psychometric instrument — the source and authors are listed in the scientific-basis section on this page, and clinical tests additionally cite their validation studies. Scores are computed with the published scoring keys. Bear in mind that a self-report questionnaire captures a snapshot in time and is educational — it does not replace a clinical diagnosis by a professional.

Can I save my results?▼

Yes. Right after the test you can save the result to a free account in one click — just an e-mail; sign-in uses a 6-digit code sent to it, no password. Saved results build your psychological profile, where you can compare dimensions across different tests on one chart and revisit results any time. Without an account you still see your result, and this browser can return to it for 90 days.