A consumer-constructed scale to measure empowerment among users of mental health services

摘要: OBJECTIVE A scale to measure the personal construct of empowerment as defined by consumers mental health services was developed and field tested. METHODS After extensive development, pilot testing, analyses, a 28-item tested on 271 members six self-help programs in states. Factor analyses were used identify underlying dimensions empowerment. To establish scale's reliability validity, responses factor analyzed, other conducted. RESULTS Analyses revealed five factors: self-efficacy-self-esteem, power-powerlessness, community activism, righteous anger, optimism-control over future. Empowerment related quality life income but not demographic variables age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education level, or employment status. inversely use traditional positively activism. CONCLUSIONS The findings set framework for clearer understanding imprecise overused concept demonstrated adequate internal consistency some evidence validity. Further testing must be done whether it has discriminant validity is sensitive change.