A New Global Measure (GSE-1) and a New Aspect-Based Measure (ASE-13) of Self-Esteem

Abstract

Background: Existing measures of self-esteem are out of date and should be replaced. Global self-esteem measures need to be replaced by an efficient single-item measure suitable for everyday monitoring in clinical settings. Aspect-based measures of self-esteem need to be replaced by a measure that covers not only traditional influences on self-esteem but also contemporary influences brought about by the Internet and social media. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a new single-item measure of global self-esteem and a new and more modern multiple-item measure of aspect-based self-esteem. Method: A two-stage method was used. The first stage consisted of a search of academic studies, main media coverage, and social media coverage of self-esteem issues to identify the main traditional and contemporary ones. The second stage consisted of in-depth qualitative interviews to develop the two questionnaires. Results: Serious problems with the major existing measures of self-esteem were found and were taken into account in developing the two new measures. Two new measures are offered: the GSE-1, a new single-item measure of global self-esteem, and the ASE-13, a new aspect-based measure of self-esteem. Conclusions: The new global measure and aspect-based measure of self-esteem are suggested to be the most efficient and up-to-date measures available. They are easily translatable into other languages using Google Translate or similar, but should be checked for local wording before use.