Description

The Self-Esteem Scale from the Rochester Youth Development Study (SERYDS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess self-esteem among young individuals. The scale is part of the broader Rochester Youth Development Study, which examines youth development and the influence of different personal, social, and environmental factors on adolescent growth.

The instrument focuses on the assessment of general self-worth and the way young people perceive and evaluate themselves.

Objective

The main objective of the SERYDS Self-Esteem Scale is to measure the overall sense of self-worth among young people in a reliable and systematic manner.

The data obtained through the scale contribute to understanding:

the role of self-esteem in youth development,

the relationship between self-perception and psychological well-being,

the influence of social and developmental factors on adolescents’ personal growth.

Structure and Content

The SERYDS Self-Esteem Scale includes statements or questions related to individuals’ perceptions of themselves and their personal value.

The scale assesses general self-esteem, focusing on the extent to which adolescents experience confidence, self-acceptance, and positive self-evaluation.

Scoring Method

Participants respond to the items using a Likert-type scale, commonly ranging from:

1 = Strongly Disagree

to

5 = Strongly Agree.

Scores are calculated by combining responses across items. Higher scores indicate higher levels of self-esteem and stronger perceptions of personal worth.

Data Analysis and Use

Data from the SERYDS can be analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and correlation methods.

The scale can be applied in research examining:

adolescent psychological development,

self-esteem and social relationships,

associations between self-esteem and psychosocial factors,

developmental pathways during adolescence.

It can also support longitudinal research examining changes in self-esteem across developmental stages.

Validity and Reliability

The psychometric evaluation of self-esteem measures within youth development research generally includes assessment of internal consistency, construct validity, and associations with related psychosocial variables.

The SERYDS scale has been used within a longitudinal framework to examine adolescent development and the role of self-esteem in youth adjustment.

References

Kraus, L., & Rogge, R. D. (2008). The Rochester Youth Development Study: Design and Methodology. In W. A. Collins & L. A. Laursen (Eds.), Relationships and Development: Ecological and Developmental Perspectives. Cambridge University Press.

Gibson, L. E. (2002). Adolescents’ self-esteem and its association with various psychosocial factors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 31(2), 122–131.

Juvonen, J., & Graham, S. (2014). Peer Relations and Self-Esteem in Adolescence. Oxford University Press.

Harter, S. (1999). The development of self-representations and self-esteem. In N. Eisenberg (Ed.), Handbook of Child Psychology: Vol. 3. Social, Emotional, and Personality Development (pp. 549–598). Wiley.

Rosenberg, M. (1989). Society and the Adolescent Self-Image (Revised Edition). Princeton University Press.