Adaptation Study of the Self-Efficacy to Manage Emotional Challenges Scale in Nursing Students: Methodological Study

Objective: Evaluating nursing students' self-efficacy in managing emotional challenges is crucial for fostering their personal and professional development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Self-Efficacy to Manage Emotional Challenges Scale in Nursing Students (NSMEC) in a sample of Turkish nursing students. Material and Methods: A methodological research design was employed to assess the psychometric properties of the NSMEC. The study was conducted between July 1-September 1, 2024, with a sample of 177 3rd and 4th-year nursing students. Data analysis included the Content Validity Index, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability, and item-total score correlations to determine the scale's validity and reliability. Results: The NSMEC consists of 17 items grouped into 5 subdimensions: patient communication, being questioned, medical competence, educative competence, and relationships with healthcare professionals. The Turkish version of the NSMEC demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and reliability. CFA confirmed the 5-factor structure, supporting the construct validity of the Turkish adaptation. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the NSMEC is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing Turkish nursing students' self-efficacy in managing emotional challenges. The NSMEC can serve as a valuable tool for nursing educators and clinicians in identifying students' self-efficacy levels, facilitating targeted interventions to enhance their emotional resilience and professional competence.