Validation of Rosenberg self-esteem scale among Norwegian adolescents – psychometric properties across samples

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-esteem refers to the evaluative and affective dimensions of the self-concept and is important for positive mental health and overall functioning during adolescence. The Rosenberg Self-esteem scale (RSES) is one of the most frequently used and widely accepted instruments assessing self-esteem; however, the psychometric properties of the instrument have not been investigated in a Norwegian adolescent population. The present study’s aim is to investigate the factor structure, construct validity and reliability of the RSES among adolescents 14–21 years.MethodsThe study was based on two cross-sectional samples (n = 1,233/ n = 1,816) of adolescents from rural and urban areas in Mid-Norway. Concerning the dimensionality of the RSES, two measurement models were tested using Principal Component Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis: a one-factor model and a two-factor-model.ResultsThe results show that a two-factor solution of positive and negative aspects of self-esteem representing “perceived personal competence” and “self-value” had the best fit across the two adolescent samples. The RSES also showed high reliability and correlated in expected directions with measures of life satisfaction, stress, and self-efficacy, supporting the convergent validity of the instrument.ConclusionThe psychometric properties of the RSES need to be further evaluated in Norwegian adolescent populations based on the dimensionality found in the present study; however overall, the results indicate that the instrument is appropriate for assessing self-esteem among Norwegian adolescents.