Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure (DV-CSE)

Abstract

The Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure (DV-CSE) is a highly specialized psychometric instrument developed to measure the perceived competence, or self-efficacy, of individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It specifically assesses the respondent’s confidence in their ability to successfully manage the multifaceted physical, psychological, and social consequences that arise following abuse or intimate partner assault.

The original published version of the DV-CSE consists of 24 items, although researchers and clinicians sometimes utilize expanded versions containing up to 30 items. This tool provides a crucial, context-specific profile of post-trauma functioning and confidence in coping abilities, distinguishing it from more general measures of self-efficacy.

Keywords

Domestic Violence, Coping Self-Efficacy, Trauma Recovery, Psychological Assessment, Intimate Partner Violence, Resilience, Psychometrics, Abuse, Intervention Evaluation

Authors

C. C. Benight, A. S. Harding-Taylor, A. M. Midboe, R. L. Durham

Purpose

The primary purpose of the DV-CSE is to offer a context-specific and nuanced assessment of an individual’s confidence in handling the unique and severe challenges inherent in domestic violence victimization. By focusing precisely on the trauma associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), the scale provides enhanced clinical relevance compared to broader self-efficacy instruments.

This instrument serves as a critical resource for both clinicians and researchers. It is invaluable for evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, predicting potential recovery trajectories, and identifying specific domains—such as emotional regulation, practical needs management, or social reintegration—where survivors may require highly targeted support, skill training, and confidence building to improve their perceived coping self-efficacy.

Construct

The DV-CSE is rooted in social cognitive theory and measures Coping Self-Efficacy. This core construct is defined as an individual’s belief in their capability to execute the necessary actions required to manage, navigate, and overcome threatening or demanding environmental stressors. For survivors of domestic violence, this translates to confidence in managing the long-term emotional and practical sequelae of severe trauma.

The scale operationalizes this construct across three essential, functional domains of post-trauma adjustment: managing practical and physical needs (e.g., housing, medical care); regulating psychological and emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, guilt); and addressing complex social and relational issues (e.g., trust establishment, isolation reduction, navigating family roles). Higher scores on the DV-CSE are indicative of strong self-beliefs in the ability to successfully overcome trauma-related obstacles and move toward recovery.

Validity

The initial psychometric validation studies conducted by the scale’s authors confirmed that the DV-CSE possesses sound validity. Specifically, strong evidence of construct validity was established, demonstrating that the measure accurately reflects the theoretical concept of coping confidence as it applies specifically to the context of domestic violence recovery.

Furthermore, the scale has demonstrated concurrent validity in research settings, showing expected and meaningful relationships with relevant clinical outcomes. Its ability to correlate effectively with indicators of psychological adjustment and successful recovery following intimate partner violence confirms its utility as an effective and valid assessment tool.

Reliability

The DV-CSE has been consistently reported to possess good reliability, particularly regarding internal consistency. This high level of internal consistency suggests that the various items comprising the scale are cohesive and consistently measure the same underlying construct of coping self-efficacy.

This psychometric strength is crucial, as it ensures that the instrument provides dependable, stable, and consistent scores, making the DV-CSE highly suitable for both rigorous research applications and sensitive clinical use in tracking progress over time.

Factor Analysis

While the initial validation studies support a robust, unitary score of overall coping self-efficacy, the structure of the DV-CSE is conceptually multidimensional, reflecting the varied nature of the consequences stemming from domestic violence (physical, psychological, and social). Although detailed factor analysis results may vary across studies, the item content can be conceptually grouped into subscales corresponding to these functional domains.

This inherent structure allows for a more nuanced clinical assessment, enabling practitioners to identify not only the overall level of confidence but also pinpoint the specific areas where an individual’s self-efficacy beliefs are strongest or weakest, thus guiding intervention planning.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report Psychological Test / Context-Specific Self-Efficacy Measure

Format: Typically consists of 24 items in the original version, though expanded versions may include up to 30 items. Items are rated to assess perceived capability.

Language Available: English.

Population Group: Individuals, predominantly adult women, who have experienced domestic violence or intimate partner assault.

Age Group: Adults.

Population Details: Primarily utilized in clinical environments, domestic violence shelters, and research studies focused on trauma survivors and recovery from abuse.

Test Methodology: The scale employs a rating system where respondents indicate their level of confidence or perceived capability for specific coping tasks. The original validation used a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from “not at all confident” to “very confident”). Alternative applications cited by the authors utilize a 0 to 100 rating scale (where 0 signifies “Not Capable” and 100 signifies “Totally Capable”).

Keywords

DV-CSE, Intimate Partner Violence, Trauma, Confidence, Psychological Measurement, Self-Report, Recovery Trajectories, IPV

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not provided in source content.

Correspondence Address: Not provided in source content.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure (DV-CSE) was developed and initially published in 2004. Researchers seeking to use the instrument should refer to the primary publication in the Journal of Traumatic Stress for usage terms and permissions. The instrument, or relevant excerpts, can be found online via ResearchGate at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8003698.

Reference’s

• Benight, C. C., Harding-Taylor, A. S., Midboe, A. M., & Durham, R. L. (2004). Development and psychometric validation of a domestic violence coping self-efficacy measure (DV-CSE). Journal of Traumatic Stress, 17(6), 505–508.
• Benight et al. (2004). Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure. In: Simmons C. A., Lehmann P. (eds). Tools for strengths-based assessment and evaluation, New York, NY: Springer, pp. 303-305. (2013). Google Scholar.
• Benight, C.C., Shoji, K, James, L.E., Waldrep, E.E., Delahanty, D.L., and Cieslak, R. (2015). Trauma Coping Self-Efficacy: A Context Specific Self-Efficacy Measure for Traumatic Stress. Psychol Trauma, 7(6), 591–599.

Items of the Domestic Violence Coping Self-Efficacy Measure (DV-CSE)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

0= Not Capable to 100= Totally Capable

1. Feeling good about myself‚ since the most recent assault.
2. Managing feelings of grief‚ loss‚ and abandonment after the latest attack.
3. Managing my housing‚ food‚ clothes‚ and medical needs‚ since the most recent assault.
4. Managing feelings of depression and/or suicidal thoughts‚ since my partner attacked me.
5. Handling feelings of hopelessness and helplessness‚ since the most recent assault.
6. Controlling thoughts that I am going crazy‚ since my latest assault.
7. Managing my feelings of guilt and self-blame about the abuse.
8. Handling fears of being alone after the latest assault.
9. Handling feelings of anger/rage at my partner‚ since the most recent assault.
10. Managing my desire to have closure of my relationship with the abuser.
11. Controlling feelings of anxiety and panic after the latest assault.
12. Coping with loneliness and isolation‚ since the most recent attack.
13. Dealing with nightmares/flashbacks concerning the latest assault.
14. Thinking that I am a competent woman‚ since the most recent assault.
15. Dealing with feelings of shame concerning the abuse.
16. Coping with feeling completely overwhelmed with everything since the most recent assault.
17. Being able to concentrate and effectively handle my home‚ job‚ and parenting responsibilities.
18. Dealing with my anxiety about the future without my partner.
19. Controlling thoughts that “I just can’t handle this.”
20. Being strong emotionally for my family and friends.
21. Managing my own spiritual pain‚ since the most recent assault.
22. Trusting anyone.
23. Coping with my appearance‚ since the most recent assault.
24. Dealing with feelings of sadness.
25. Controlling negative thoughts about myself (for example‚ “I am stupid‚” “I am to blame‚” “I am a loser‚” “I screw-up everything‚” “I deserved to be attacked”).
26. Coping with loss of the “good” aspects of my relationship with the man who assaulted me.
27. Coping with the feelings that family and friends just don’t understand.
28. Handling feelings of embarrassment.
29. Dealing with rejection from others since the latest attack.
30. Handling feelings of inadequacy