Measuring Self-Efficacy for Concussion Recovery: Psychometric Characteristics of the Progressive Activities of Controlled Exertion–Self-Efficacy Scale

Control over symptoms postconcussion is central to an active self-directed recovery process. Therefore, assessing a patient's confidence in controlling their symptoms and facilitating their concussion recovery is an important component of treatment. Previously, no measures existed to assess symptom-specific self-efficacy (SE) in pediatric concussion recovery. SE is an individual's belief or confidence in their capabilities to execute action plans necessary to perform certain behaviors. Based on this definition, we developed the Progressive Activities of Controlled Exertion-Self-Efficacy (PACE-SE) scale to measure a patient's SE related to pediatric concussion recovery-specific activities. The aim of this article is to present the psychometric characteristics (evidence of reliability, validity) of the PACE-SE scale. The 17-item PACE-SE was administered to children and adolescents, 10-18 years of age, recovering from a diagnosed concussion as part of a standard clinical evaluation. Results revealed a four-factor structure producing the following scales: Managing My Stress, Managing My Activity, Seeking Adult Assistance, and Maintaining Positive Outlook. The PACE-SE scores indicated excellent internal consistency reliability with reasonable test-retest reliability over time. Evidence for the association between recovery status and greater confidence and control over recovery-related activities as measured by the PACE-SE was supported by: (1) an inverse association with symptom status reflecting lower confidence for managing recovery with higher symptom load, (2) greater reported problems with school performance associated with lower SE, (3) positive change in SE ratings across two clinic visits associated with symptom improvement, and (4) a significant difference in SE ratings evident between recovered and nonrecovered patients. The psychometric evidence supporting the PACE-SE scale provides the clinician with a measure to understand the child/adolescent patient's self-confidence in facilitating their concussion recovery.