Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)

Description: A standardized scale that rates self-esteem, self-worth, acceptability, and confidence [1].

Format: 10 items

Scoring: Items are scored on a 4-point scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Scores may range from 0 to 30. Scores between 15 and 25 are considered within normal range; scores below 15 suggest low self-esteem.

Administration and Burden: Interviewer-administered; Self-administered. Approximately 5 minutes.

Psychometrics for SCI: In non-SCI samples, there is good concurrent, predictive construct validity and test-retest reliability of 0.85. Cronbach’s alpha has been reported to be between 0.78 and 0.90 [1].  In the SCI population, good internal consistency has been demonstrated [2].

Languages: English, French, Norwegian.

QoL Concept: The RSES is a measure of self-esteem, which corresponds to Box E (self-esteem) of Dijker’s Model.

Permissions/Where to Obtain: Public Domain; User information and a copy of the RSES can be obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction website at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index3676EN.html

**CLICK ON THE LISTED SECONDARY HEALTH CONDITIONS ON THE RIGHT TO READ HOW THE RSES HAS BEEN USED WITH A PARTICULAR CONDITION**

References:

1. Rosenberg M. Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press; 1965.
2. Coyle CP, Lesnik-Emas S, Kinney WB. Predicting life satisfaction among adults with spinal cord injuries. Rehabil Psychol 1994;39:95-111.