The self-efficacy for regular meditation practice scale (SERMS): Development and psychometric validation.

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.