Self-Esteem Assessment Tools & Resources
Access validated instruments for assessing self-esteem and related constructs. These research-backed tools provide reliable measurement for clinical, educational, and personal development purposes.
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) remains the most widely used and validated measure of global self-esteem. Developed by Morris Rosenberg in 1965, this 10-item scale assesses overall feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance.
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Instructions: Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement using the scale below.
1 = Strongly Disagree | 2 = Disagree | 3 = Agree | 4 = Strongly Agree
- On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.
- At times, I think I am no good at all.
- I feel that I have a number of good qualities.
- I am able to do things as well as most other people.
- I feel I do not have much to be proud of.
- I certainly feel useless at times.
- I feel that I'm a person of worth, at least on an equal basis with others.
- I wish I could have more respect for myself.
- All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure.
- I take a positive attitude toward myself.
Scoring: Items 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9 are reverse scored. Sum all items. Scores range from 10-40, with higher scores indicating higher self-esteem.
Typical cutoffs: 15 or below = low self-esteem | 15-25 = normal range | 25+ = high self-esteem
Self-Compassion Scale
The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), developed by Kristin Neff, measures the components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, versus their opposites: self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification.
Sample Self-Compassion Items
Rate how often you behave in the stated manner (1 = Almost Never to 5 = Almost Always):
- ▪ I'm kind to myself when I'm experiencing suffering.
- ▪ I try to see my failings as part of the human condition.
- ▪ When something painful happens, I try to take a balanced view.
- ▪ I'm disapproving and judgmental about my own flaws.
- ▪ When I think about my inadequacies, it tends to make me feel more separate and cut off from the rest of the world.
Full 26-item scale available at self-compassion.org
Additional Assessment Resources
Domain-Specific Measures
- Body Esteem Scale: Assesses satisfaction with physical appearance and body parts
- Academic Self-Concept Scale: Measures self-evaluation in educational domains
- Social Self-Esteem Inventory: Assesses confidence in social interactions
- Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale: Measures confidence in career decision-making abilities
Related Constructs
- General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE): Measures belief in one's ability to handle challenges
- Impostor Phenomenon Scale: Assesses feelings of intellectual fraudulence despite success
- Perfectionism Inventory: Measures adaptive and maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies
- Self-Perception Profile: Domain-specific competence assessments across multiple areas
Self-Reflection Exercises
Values Clarification Exercise
Understanding what truly matters to you can help build authentic self-esteem based on your own values rather than external validation:
- List 10 values that are important to you (e.g., honesty, creativity, kindness, achievement)
- Rank them from most to least important
- Reflect on how your daily activities align with your top 5 values
- Identify one area where you could better live according to your values
- Set a small, specific goal for the coming week
Professional Resources
- American Psychological Association - Professional guidelines and research
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies - Evidence-based interventions
- Self-Compassion.org - Kristin Neff's research and resources
- Self-Determination Theory - Deci and Ryan's research on motivation and wellbeing