Global Self-Esteem Scales: Unidimensional or Multidimensional?

Abstract

A critical distinction in the self-esteem literature is that between global and specific self-esteem. In this study, two widely-used self-esteem scales, purported to be unidimensional (an additively scored version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Eagly revision of the Feelings of Inadequacy Scale) were factor analyzed. Subjects were 206 female undergraduates. The results supported the unidimensionality of the Rosenberg scale. However, four orthogonal factors were extracted from the Eagly Scale, two global factors and two situation-specific factors which referred to self-confidence in public speaking and novel social situations. The two global factors were more strongly correlated with the Rosenberg scale than were the situation-specific factors. Further work with men and women is needed to develop the Eagly scale as a multidimensional scale or to shorten it to include only global self-esteem items.