Construct Validity Analyses of a “Nonverbal” Measure of Self-Esteem: The Sliding Person Test

Abstract

This study investigated construct validity for a “nonverbal” measure of self-esteem, the Sliding Person Test (SPERT). Seven personality measures and an intelligence test were administered to 202 college students. A test-retest reliability coefficient of .82 was obtained ( N = 45). Correlations between scores on SPERT and social desirability, anxiety, and IQ indicated sufficiently low overlap with these variables. Minimal evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was established. Linear and curvilinear relationships between scores for SPERT and social and emotional adjustment, respectively, were contrary to expectations but similar to those of previous studies. Expected differences between students high and low in self-acceptance with large SPERT discrepancies support other literature which suggests that large self-ideal discrepancies are associated with better adjustment and lower anxiety for highly self-accepting people.