What Is The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSE)?

Self-esteem assessment tools are generally used to capture a profile on this essential component of psychological well-being. It’s typically measured through self-report assessments, in which an individual rates their overall sense of self-worth and value according to how much they agree or disagree with a statement. 

Good self-esteem facilitates healthy self-confidence and self-acceptance; promoting the likelihood that we will value our achievements, personal characteristics, and overall quality of life. In contrast, low self-esteem tends to lead to low confidence, self-doubt, and a pessimistic outlook on life, resulting in potential impacts on personal, relational, and workplace levels. 

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) evaluates overall self-worth and self-acceptance through evaluating two key components of self-esteem; positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem.

What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves; or in other words, what opinions and beliefs do we hold about ourselves. Self-esteem often influences self-confidence, self-acceptance and if we like and value ourselves as people. 

Healthy self esteem is characterized by good self-worth, confidence, and an overall optimistic outlook on life. 

Low self-esteem is associated with negative self-perceptions, self-doubt, and unrealistic perspectives on life which are fueled by self-criticism or the belief that others are superior. 

Good self-esteem is an essential psychological construct which allows us to effectively manage life’s challenges, initiate and maintain satisfying relationships, and achieve goals and a level of self-respect.

Though self-esteem can seem like a difficult thing to change, research suggests it may not be a fixed trait exactly. For example, research shows that self-esteem can change throughout the lifespan.^1,5 

Why Is It Important to Measure Self-Esteem? 

It’s important to measure self-esteem because it is a fundamental indicator of overall psychological well-being and mental health. Self-esteem has the potential to impact us in terms of our thought processes, our social interactions and our workplace achievements.

People with healthy self-esteem report more positive interpersonal relationships in the workplace, and an overall greater life satisfaction; potentially leading to improved work performance.¹ 

Additionally, measuring self-esteem allows for early, targeted intervention strategies which can be tailored to the specific areas of difficulty pinpointed by the assessment. This way, individuals are provided insight into the most effective ways to build confidence, self-acceptance, and personal growth.³ 

What Does The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Measure?

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale assesses overall self-worth and self-acceptance through evaluating two key components of self-esteem; positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem.⁴ It was developed by sociologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965, and has shown to be both a valid and reliable instrument for assessment, as it continues to be widely used in psychology research. 

The RSES consists of 10 statements (five positive and five negative) which the individual responds to on a likert scale to evaluate their self-perceptions.

Example Items on The RSES

1. I feel that I am a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others
2. I feel that I have a number of good qualities
3. All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure
4. I am able to do things as well as most other people
5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of
6. I take a positive attitude toward myself
7. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself
8. I wish I could have more respect for myself
9. I certainly feel useless at times
10. At times, I think I am no good at all

Measure Self-Esteem At Work With MindOnly

In our Attachment At Work assessment, we combine The Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale with other measures which assess aspects of psychological well-being (including self-esteem, resilience, and burnout). 

Additionally, the Attachment At Work assessment helps teams to perform at their personal and professional ideal by measuring and reporting on group dynamics, including psychological safety, team identification, team-member exchange, leader-member exchange, and on how to lead a thriving team.

Conclusion: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a comprehensive, valuable tool for the accurate measurement and understanding of self-esteem. As discussed throughout this article, positive self-esteem is an essential component in maintaining healthy self-confidence, personal goals, relationships (both personal and workplace), and an overall good quality of life. 

In contrast, poor self-esteem can have negative implications for confidence and well-being, including impacts on self-perceptions, outlook on life, personal achievements, and workplace dynamics. 

MindOnly’s Attachment At Work assessment combines The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale with other psychological tools to improve personal and professional well being–on an individual and group level; facilitating happy, performing individuals and positive working relationships.