(cf.DiStefano & Motl, 2006 ;Quilty et al., 2006 ). These method factors are stable over time (e.g., see Gana et al.,
2013; Marsh, 2010), but much more work on the importance of the RSE method factors is needed. Byrne (1996)
raised a second concern about focusing on global self-esteem as opposed to multiple dimensions of self-esteem
(cf.Marsh & Craven, 2006 ). This is a concern we address in more detail on the sections describing multidimen-
sional self-esteem inventories. A final issue with the RSE concerns the limitations of subjective self-reports.
Individuals may respond carelessly to survey items or they may distort their responses due to inadequate self-
insight, or for reasons of self-deception or self-enhancement (see Boyle, 1994 , p. 650). This possibility motivates
the search for implicit self-esteem measures designed to gain ‘a reliable window into what people think about
themselves but cannot or will not report’ ( Buhrmester et al., 2011 , p. 377).
ROSENBERG SELF-ESTEEM SCALE
Instructions: Below is a list of statements dealing with your general feelings about yourself. Please indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement.
Item Method
factorTafarodi & Milne
(2002) dimension
1 I feel that I’m a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with
others. ( Rosenberg, 1989 )/C0OR/C0Positive AS*
I feel that I am a person of worth, at least on an equal basis with
others. ( Blascovich & Tomaka, 1991 )
2 I feel that I have a number of good qualities. Positive AS
3 All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure. Negative AS*
4 I am able to do things as well as most other people. Positive AS
5 I feel I do not have much to be proud of. Negative AS*
6 I take a positive attitude toward myself. Positive AC
7 On the whole, I am satisfied with myself. Positive AC
8 I wish I could have more respect for myself. Negative AC
9 I certainly feel useless at times. Negative AC
10 At times I think I am no good at all. Negative AC
Notes :
AS5Assessment (Self-Competence); AC 5Acceptance (Self-Liking). *Indicates a non-significant (and thereby
weak) factor loading in the Tafarodi and Milne (2002) analysis.
For the original instructions see www.socy.umd.edu/quick-links/rosenberg-self-esteem-scale (Retrieved January
6, 2014).
The RSE was originally designed as a 4-point Guttman scale, but is often measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale,
ranging from (1) Strongly disagree to (5) Strongly agree.
Items and a note about permission to use the items is available at: www.socy.umd.edu/quick-links/rosenberg-
self-esteem-scale (Retrieved January 1, 2014).
According to the website, Rosenberg’s family has given permission to use the scale for educational and profes-
sional research without charge. Their only request is that copies of published works are sent to this address: The
Morris Rosenberg Foundation, c/o Department of Sociology, 2112 Art-Sociology Building, University of
Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-1315, USA.
Source : Reproduced with permission.
Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale (SISE)
(Robins et al., 2001a ).
Variable
Global self-worth or the overall attitude that one holds about oneself can be measured on a single-item scale
ranging from negative to positive self-esteem ( Robins et al., 2001a ).137 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS