Self-esteem is an evaluation of how we view ourselves overall, positively or negatively.
Someone who regards themselves positively has high self-esteem, while those who view themselves negatively have low self-esteem.
Self-esteem is one component of self-concept, along with others such as self-efficacy or mastery, and self-identities.
Rafa Elias / Getty Images
Rafa Elias / Getty Images
What is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale?
The RSES was developed in 1965 by Morris Rosenberg.
Psychological researchers frequently use the RSES because it is straightforward, short, and convenient.
Different versions assign different values to each answer, and the order of the questions matters to the key.
In general, each item is given a score value range of 03.
Some versions use a scale of 14 instead of 03.
Total the numbers at the end.
There is no set agreed-upon cutoff point for low or high self-esteem.
The definitions and applications of levels of self-esteem can also vary in interpretation.
Is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Reliable?
The RSES is widely used.
It has been translated into at least 28 languages and studied in at least 53 countries.
It largely develops in childhood and stabilizes in adulthood, but it can change.
People who view themselves positively have high self-esteem.
People who view themselves negatively have low self-esteem.
It’s also possible to fall somewhere in the middle.
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a 10-item questionnaire that psychologist Morris Rosenberg developed in 1965.
It is the most common measure of self-esteem researchers use.
If your self-esteem is lower than you’d like it to be, talk to amental health professional.
There are ways to improve your self-esteem and help you see how great you really are.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with low self-esteem may:
Self-esteem typically develops in childhood.
Park JY, Park EY.The Rasch analysis of Rosenberg self-esteem scale in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
2019;10:1992. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01992
University of Maryland.Self-esteem: what is it?
Rosenberg M.Rosenberg self-esteem scale.
American Psychological Association; 2011. doi:10.1037/t01038-000
York University.Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965).
W. W. Norton & Company.Rosenbergs self-esteem scale.
University of Maryland.Using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.
University of Maryland.Rosenberg scale FAQ.
Lima TJS de, Souza LEC de.Rosenberg self-esteem scale: method effect and gender invariance.
2019;5(3):e01378.
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01378
American Psychological Association.Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE).
University of Maryland.Rosenberg self-esteem scale.
Applied Research Quality Life.
2012;6(1):9. doi:10.1186/1751-0759-6-9
Nemours TeensHealth.How can I improve my self-esteem?
