An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
- 1 May 1997
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
- Vol. 23 (5) , 443-451
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167297235001
Abstract
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a widely used self-report instrument for evaluating individual self-esteem, was investigated using item response theory. Factor analysis identified a single common factor, contrary to some previous studies that extracted separate Self-Confidence and Self-Depreciation factors. A unidimensional model for graded item responses was fit to the data. A model that constrained the 10 items to equal discrimination was contrasted with a model allowing the discriminations to be estimated freely. The test of significance indicated that the unconstrained model better fit the data-that is, the 10 items of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale are not equally discriminating and are differentially related to self-esteem. The pattern of functioning of the items was examined with respect to their content, and observations are offered with implications for validating and developing future personality instruments.Keywords
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