Self-Esteem Among Nursing Assistants: Reliability and Validity of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the reliability and validity of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) when used with nursing assistants (NAs). Method: Testing the RSES used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial testing the Res-Care Intervention. Female NAs were recruited from nursing homes (n = 508). Validity testing for the positive and negative subscales of the RSES was based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using structural equation modeling and Rasch analysis. Estimates of reliability were based on Rasch analysis and the person separation index. Results: Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the RSES in NAs although we recommend minor revisions to the measure for subsequent use. Conclusion: Establishing reliable and valid measures of self-esteem in NAs will facilitate testing of interventions to strengthen workplace self-esteem, job satisfaction, and retention.