A Test of Dublin Anti-bullying Self-Efficacy Scale for Teachers (DABSE-T)

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that anti-bullying programmes should have a particular focus on teacher self-efficacy for peer bullying prevention and intervention at schools. To address this suggestion, a theoretical framework and a measurement scale are needed to evaluate teacher anti-bullying self-efficacy and determine its role in the effectiveness of these anti-bullying programmes. The present research aims to adapt the Anti-Bullying Self-Efficacy Theory and test the psychometric properties of the Dublin Anti-Bullying Self-Efficacy Scale (DABSE) for teachers. A convenience sample of 221 teachers (38.9% from primary and 61.1% from post-primary schools) responded to the DABSE-T following participation in FUSE, a school anti-bullying programme in Ireland. The factorial structure of the scale was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Principal Axis Factoring with Promax Oblique rotation. Construct validity (convergent and divergent validity) was assessed using the criteria of Average Variance Extracted (AVE > .50) and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT). Composite reliability was estimated as an indicator of internal consistency. The DABSE-T demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, suggesting that it is a valid and reliable measure of teacher self-efficacy beliefs, which encompass recognition of bullying behaviour, comprehension of the need for immediate intervention, acceptance of responsibility, knowledge of appropriate actions, and intervention implementation. The scale can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-bullying interventions and identify teachers who may require additional support in addressing bullying incidents.