Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

The Most Widely Used Measure of Global Self-Esteem

✓ Clinically Validated 📋 10 Questions 🔒 100% Private
1965 Developed by Morris Rosenberg
50K+ Studies have used this scale
~2 min Quick to complete
🔒
Your Privacy Is Protected

All calculations are performed in your browser. No answers are stored or transmitted.

Self-Esteem Assessment

For each statement below, please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree. Answer based on how you generally feel about yourself.

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.

Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-esteem refers to a person's overall subjective evaluation of their own worth. It encompasses beliefs about oneself (such as "I am competent" or "I am worthy") and emotional states like triumph, despair, pride, and shame.

What Self-Esteem Is

  • Global self-worth: An overall sense of personal value and self-respect
  • Self-acceptance: Feeling comfortable with who you are, including imperfections
  • Self-competence: Believing in your ability to handle life's challenges

What Self-Esteem Is Not

  • Not narcissism: Healthy self-esteem is balanced, not grandiose or inflated
  • Not arrogance: It comes from genuine self-acceptance, not superiority over others
  • Not fixed: Self-esteem can change over time with effort and experience

Why Self-Esteem Matters

Research consistently links healthy self-esteem with better mental health outcomes, stronger relationships, academic and career success, resilience in the face of adversity, and overall life satisfaction. Low self-esteem is associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and interpersonal difficulties.

How the RSES Scoring Works

Scale Design

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale uses a 4-point Likert scale: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree. The scale includes both positively worded and negatively worded items to reduce response bias.

Scoring Method

  • Positive items (1, 2, 4, 6, 7): Strongly Agree = 3, Agree = 2, Disagree = 1, Strongly Disagree = 0
  • Reverse-scored items (3, 5, 8, 9, 10): Strongly Agree = 0, Agree = 1, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree = 3

Score Interpretation

  • 25-30: High self-esteem - Strong sense of self-worth
  • 15-24: Normal self-esteem - Within the typical range
  • 0-14: Low self-esteem - May benefit from support and self-care strategies

Important Notes

The RSES measures global self-esteem, not domain-specific self-esteem (like academic or physical). Scores can fluctuate based on recent life events. A single assessment should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Building Self-Esteem

Cognitive Strategies

  • Challenge negative self-talk: Notice and question automatic negative thoughts about yourself
  • Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend
  • Reframe failures: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than proof of inadequacy
  • Limit comparisons: Focus on your own growth rather than measuring against others

Behavioral Strategies

  • Set achievable goals: Build confidence through small, meaningful accomplishments
  • Practice assertiveness: Express your needs and boundaries respectfully
  • Engage in valued activities: Spend time on things that align with your core values
  • Physical activity: Regular exercise has been shown to improve self-esteem

Relational Strategies

  • Nurture supportive relationships: Spend time with people who respect and encourage you
  • Set healthy boundaries: Limit time with people who consistently undermine your self-worth
  • Help others: Acts of service and generosity can strengthen your sense of purpose and value

Professional Support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for improving self-esteem. Other effective approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy. If low self-esteem is significantly affecting your daily life, relationships, or mental health, consider working with a licensed therapist.

Research Background

History

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was developed by sociologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965 as part of his landmark study of over 5,000 adolescents in New York State. Originally designed to measure adolescent self-esteem, the scale has since been validated across all age groups, cultures, and languages.

Psychometric Properties

  • Internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha typically ranges from 0.77 to 0.88
  • Test-retest reliability: Correlation coefficients of 0.82-0.88 over 2-week intervals
  • Convergent validity: Strongly correlates with other self-esteem measures and inversely with depression/anxiety measures
  • Cross-cultural validity: Successfully translated and validated in over 50 languages

Clinical Applications

The RSES is used in clinical practice to screen for low self-esteem, monitor treatment progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. It is commonly used alongside measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and overall functioning in comprehensive psychological assessments.

Normative Data

The average RSES score across large population studies is approximately 22 out of 30. Scores tend to be lowest during adolescence, increase through adulthood, peak around age 60, and then decline slightly in older age. There are modest gender differences, with males scoring slightly higher on average.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is the most widely used measure of global self-esteem in social science research. Developed by Morris Rosenberg in 1965, it consists of 10 statements about how you feel about yourself. You rate your agreement with each statement on a 4-point scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating higher self-esteem.

Most people score between 15 and 25 on the RSES, with the average being around 22. Scores of 25-30 indicate high self-esteem, 15-24 indicate normal self-esteem, and scores below 15 suggest low self-esteem that may benefit from professional support. Remember that self-esteem can vary based on life circumstances and is not a fixed trait.

Five of the ten items are worded negatively (e.g., "I certainly feel useless at times") and are reverse-scored. This design reduces acquiescence bias, the tendency to agree with statements regardless of content. By mixing positive and negative items, the scale ensures respondents are reading and considering each statement carefully.

Yes, self-esteem is not a fixed trait. Research shows that self-esteem typically follows a developmental trajectory: it is moderate in childhood, drops during adolescence, rises gradually through adulthood, peaks around age 60, and then declines slightly. Life events, therapy, personal growth, and deliberate self-improvement efforts can all significantly impact self-esteem at any age.

No, low self-esteem is not a mental health diagnosis in itself. However, it is a common feature of several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Low self-esteem can also be a risk factor for developing these conditions. If your low self-esteem is causing significant distress or interfering with daily functioning, professional help is recommended.

For personal tracking, taking the assessment every 2-4 weeks can help you monitor changes over time, especially if you are working on building self-esteem. In clinical settings, therapists may administer it at regular intervals (such as monthly) to track treatment progress. Avoid taking it daily, as minor daily mood fluctuations may not reflect meaningful changes in overall self-esteem.

⚠ Important Disclaimer

This self-esteem assessment is for educational and self-awareness purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace professional psychological evaluation. If you are experiencing persistent low self-esteem, depression, or other mental health concerns, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

Related Mental Health Tools

📋 PHQ-9 Depression Test Screen for depression severity 📈 GAD-7 Anxiety Test Assess generalized anxiety 📑 Beck Depression Inventory Comprehensive depression screening 🌡 Stress Level Calculator PSS-10 perceived stress assessment

Clinical References

  1. Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the Adolescent Self-Image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
  2. Robins, R. W., Hendin, H. M., & Trzesniewski, K. H. (2001). Measuring global self-esteem: Construct validation of a single-item measure and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(2), 151-161.
  3. Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2014). The development of self-esteem. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 381-387.
  4. Schmitt, D. P., & Allik, J. (2005). Simultaneous administration of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in 53 nations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89(4), 623-642.
  5. Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2013). Does low self-esteem predict depression and anxiety? A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 139(1), 213-240.