Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool
Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) · Also known as: TSET
The Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) is an 83-item self-report measure designed to assess nurses' confidence and capability in delivering culturally competent care. Developed by Jeffreys and Smodlaka in 1996, the TSET evaluates three dimensions of transcultural nursing self-efficacy: cognitive knowledge, practical skills, and affective (emotional) competence. The instrument is widely used in nursing education to evaluate the impact of transcultural curricula and to identify areas requiring additional clinical preparation.
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When to use it
The TSET is most appropriate for nursing students, particularly in baccalaureate and graduate programs with transcultural components, and for practicing nurses participating in cultural competence training programs. It is useful for pre–post evaluation of educational interventions and for identifying students or staff requiring additional mentorship in transcultural nursing. The instrument is suitable for diverse healthcare settings, including acute care, community health, and primary care.
Strengths & limitations
- Comprehensive 83-item design capturing cognitive, practical, and affective dimensions of transcultural self-efficacy
- Grounded in social-cognitive theory and construct-validated in nursing research
- 10-point Likert scale provides granular measurement and sensitivity to change following educational interventions
- Widely adopted in nursing education and used across multiple countries, supporting cross-cultural validation efforts
- The 83-item length may result in respondent fatigue and lower completion rates in busy clinical settings
- Self-efficacy measures are susceptible to social desirability bias and may not correlate perfectly with actual clinical performance
- Psychometric properties vary across adaptations and translations; clinicians should verify reliability and validity in their specific population
- Cross-cultural equivalence of the 10-point Likert scale has not been extensively examined across diverse respondent populations
Frequently asked
Why use a 10-point scale instead of the more common 5-point Likert scale?
The 10-point scale was chosen to maximize sensitivity to change and discrimination among respondents, particularly important when evaluating educational interventions. It also provides a wider range for tracking self-efficacy development across academic years.
How much time is needed to complete the TSET?
Most respondents complete the 83-item questionnaire in 20–25 minutes. In some contexts, a shortened form may be considered, though the full 83-item version provides the most comprehensive assessment.
Are there shortened versions of the TSET?
While some researchers have examined item reduction, the 83-item version remains the published standard. Organizations may contact the authors for guidance on validated short forms if administration time is a significant constraint.
Can the TSET be used to predict patient satisfaction or health outcomes?
The TSET measures self-efficacy, not actual competence or outcomes. While higher self-efficacy may correlate with better care, direct evidence linking TSET scores to patient satisfaction or health outcomes requires empirical investigation.
Sources
- Jeffreys, M. R., & Smodlaka, I. (1996). Construct validation of the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool. Journal of Nursing Education, 35(8), 341–348. link ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET). ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/transcultural-nursing/transcultural-self-efficacy-tool
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
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