ABSTRACT
The ability to utilize strong emotional reactions in traumatic situations, to focus one’s thoughts and actions, communicate distress to others, and become fully aware of potential future dangers may be a skill that provides protection (Gottman et al., 1996; Greenberg, 1993; Greenberg et al., 1996). This skill may involve awareness, tolerance, and acceptance of one’s own emotional reactions (Greenberg & Safran, 1987; Greenberg et al., 1996) combined with the confidence to use this emotional information to act on one’s own behalf (Greenberg, 1993). We have created a self-report scale measuring emotional selfconfidence in the face of serious illness. Three theoretical perspectives informed its construction: Bandura’s self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977, 1982, 1991); emotional intelligence (Mayer & Salovey, 1993; Salovey & Mayer, 1990; Salovey et al., 1995); and existential psychotherapy (Yalom, 1980).
