Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES-10-2]

Brief Description

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a widely used self-report instrument for measuring global self-esteem in adults. It includes 10 statements that assess overall self-acceptance, incorporating both positive and negative self-evaluations. Responses are provided on a four-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”

Purpose

The purpose of the scale is to evaluate an individual’s overall self-esteem, regardless of gender, age, or sociocultural background. It is extensively used in both research and clinical settings to explore the relationship between self-esteem and various psychological traits and behaviors.

Scoring Method

Each of the 10 items is scored from 1 to 4. The five positively worded items are scored directly, while the five negatively worded items are reverse-scored. The total score ranges from 10 to 40, with higher scores indicating higher self-esteem.

Validity

The scale has been tested in a Greek sample for translational validity and correlation with related psychological variables. Translational validity was confirmed with a correlation of r = 0.94 between the English and Greek versions. The scale also showed positive correlations with extraversion and negative correlations with neuroticism and loneliness, as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Reliability

The reliability of the Greek version of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a value of 0.85—considered highly satisfactory for personality and self-report instruments.

Data Analysis and Use

Results can be analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation). In research contexts, the scale is used to examine correlations with variables such as anxiety, depression, and social support, or to compare groups (e.g., by gender or age) using t-tests or ANOVA. The scale is widely applied in studies on psychological adjustment, educational environments, clinical assessments, and intervention programs.