This article presents a study that tested the psychometric properties of the Scale of Economic Self-Efficacy across Spanish- and English-speaking intimate partner violence survivors; it discusses the research methodology, findings, and implications for policymakers and future research.
Economic empowerment interventions contribute to increased financial security and independence among intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. Improving economic self-efficacy is influential in improving financial behaviors. However, reliable and valid measures are necessary to conduct rigorous evaluations of these interventions. Specifically, a tool to properly evaluate the economic self-efficacy needs of Spanish-speaking IPV survivors is crucial but not yet available. This study tested the psychometric properties of the Scale of Economic Self-Efficacy (ESE) across Spanish and English-speaking IPV survivors, guided by these research questions: (a) Does the proposed one-factor model for the Scale of ESE fit both Spanish and English-speaking analytic samples well? (b) What are the psychometric properties of the Scale of ESE for both the Spanish and English-speaking samples? and (c) Can the Scale of ESE be used to measure ESE among both Spanish and English-speaking samples without bias? A single-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), followed by a series of nested multi-group CFAs were conducted using data from 415 Spanish- and English- speaking IPV survivors living in the US and Puerto Rico. Findings demonstrate that the one-factor Scale of ESE is a valid and reliable scale for assessing economic self-efficacy within and across Spanish and English-speaking IPV survivors. Results provide researchers with evidence to use the Scale of ESE to conduct rigorous evaluations of economic empowerment interventions for Spanish-speaking IPV survivors. The Scale of ESE also has the potential to aid in policymaking as policymakers and funders seek evidence for financial empowerment program decisions. (Published Abstract Provided)