Validation and Analysis of the Dimensionality of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Puerto Rican Women: Unifactorial or Bifactorial?

Abstract

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is the most widely used instrument to assess self-esteem. Self-esteem is defined as a feeling towards oneself, positive or negative, that is constructed through a self-evaluation of one’s own characteristics. The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability, validity and factor structure of EAR in a sample of Puerto Ricans women. A total of 340 women participated in this confirmatory and psychometric study. The results confirmed that the scale has a bifactorial structure. These dimensions were Positive Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Esteem. The ten items complied with the criteria of discrimination. The reliability index for the scales was .87 each. In conclusion, the RSES (version adapted for women) has the appropriate psychometric properties to continue with validation studies, as well as to be used in future research on self-esteem, both theoretical and applied.