But before you do, we’d like to explain what the Rosenberg self-esteem scale is about, and how it works
This method of measuring self-esteem was developed by Dr. Morris Rosenberg, professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland from 1975 until his death in 1992.
So, what is self-esteem, and why is it important to measure it?
Self-esteem has been defined as: “The sum of self-confidence and self-respect.” It is the sense of self-worth that a person feels. It covers emotions, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. Having positive self-esteem is what enables us to best cope with life’s challenges.
What Dr. Rosenberg did, was to try to measure, by means of a specially designed set of statements, the basis of a person’s self-image.
The unique aspect of this test is that the individual has to respond to the statements alone. After completing the test, the person then has to check the answers and add up their own score. In order for the test to be of any value, it is essential that the answers be honest and truthful. The advantage of this self-evaluation is that nobody else need know!
So, are you ready to take the test? Here are the 10 statements; the basis for marking is explained immediately underneath them. You need to answer by agreeing with one of these four possibilities:
SA = Strongly Agree – A = Agree – D = Disagree – SD = Strongly Disagree
1. On the whole I am satisfied with myself. SA, A, D, SD
2. At times I think that I am no good at all. SA, A, D, SD
3. I feel that I have a number of good qualities. SA, A, D, SD
4. I am able to do things as well as most other people. SA, A, D, SD
5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of. SA, A, D, SD
6. I certainly feel useless at times. SA, A, D, SD
7. I feel that I am a person of worth, at least the equal of others. SA, A, D, SD
8. I wish I could have more respect for myself. SA, A, D, SD
9. All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure. SA, A, D, SD
10. I take a positive attitude toward myself. SA, A, D, SD
Now that you have taken test, you’re probably anxious to learn how you did.
The calculation of the scores is a little complicated, but worth the effort.
Statements 1-3-4-7-10
Strongly agree = 3 points
Agree = 2 points
Disagree = 1 point
Strongly disagree = 0 points
For statements 2-5-6-8-9 the values are reversed
Strongly agree = 0 points
Agree = 1 point
Disagree = 2 points
Strongly disagree = 3 points
Now for the moment of truth. How did you score? If you got between 15 – 25 points, you are within the normal range – nothing wrong with your self-esteem! Scores below 15 are an indicator of low self-esteem. But not to worry. Now you are aware of the situation you can work on learning to believe in yourself.
Thanks to Dr. Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale you now have the chance to turn your life around and follow the slogan of the Life Daily team: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”
