Evaluation of the Factor Structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Older Adults

Pers Individ Dif. 2013 Jan 1;54(2):153-157. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2012.08.009. Epub 2012 Sep 16.

Abstract

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is the most utilized measure of global self-esteem. Although psychometric studies have generally supported the uni-dimensionality of this 10-item scale, more recently, a stable, response-bias has been associated with the wording of the items (Marsh, Scalas, & Nagengast, 2010). The purpose of this report was to replicate Marsh et al.'s findings in a sample of older adults and to test for invariance across time, gender and levels of education. Our results indicated that indeed a response-bias does exist in esteem responses. Researchers should investigate ways to meaningfully examine and practically overcome the methodological challenges associated with the RSE scale.