The general confidence scale: coping with environmental uncertainty and threat

Abstract

We investigated general confidence as a psychological buffer for coping with environmental
uncertainty and threat. In Study 1, a new scale to measure general
confidence was developed and cross-validated with different samples. Study 2 examined
general confidence as a moderator of the influence of environmental stress on
individual strains. Two groups of participants were presented with photographs
either of terrorist attacks or of neutral scenes. We found a significant interaction
between presented scenes and general confidence. Study 3 examined the effect of
general confidence on acceptance of mobile phone stations while controlling for
relevant variables. The results showed good incremental validity for the General
Confidence Scale over related personality and social psychological constructs.