Factor analysis of the general self-efficacy scale and its relationship with individualism/collectivism among twenty-five countries: application of multilevel confirmatory factor analysis

This study examined the multilevel confirmatory factor structure of the general self-efficacy scale among 25 countries. A total of 19,120 persons from 25 countries (7243 men and 9,198 women; 2679 participants did not report their sex) completed the 10-item general self-efficacy scale. A single latent factor structure was fitted at both within- and between-nation levels. Individualism–collectivism (I–C) scores for nations were also included at the between-nation level to examine the relationship between the I–C construct and general self-efficacy across nations. Results showed that a single latent factor structure is acceptable at both within- and between-nation levels; however, the relationship between the I–C construct and general self-efficacy across nations is not significant.