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Rasch analysis of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale with African Americans
Ruth Chu-Lien Chao1, Courtney Vidacovich1, Kathy E Green1
1Counseling Psychology Department, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver.
Psychological Assessment
|June 10, 2016
Summary
This study validated the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for African American college students, finding it a reliable measure of self-esteem. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties for this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Multicultural Mental Health
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Accurate self-esteem assessment for African Americans is challenging.
- The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is widely used but requires validation in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the RSES among African American college students.
- To confirm the scale's unidimensionality and reliability for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were employed.
- The sample was split into calibration and validation subsamples for robust assessment.
- Scale points were collapsed to optimize indices.
Main Results:
- Both analyses supported the unidimensionality of the RSES.
- The scale demonstrated adequate person separation and reliability.
- No differential item functioning was found based on sex or professional assistance history.
Conclusions:
- The RSES is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring self-esteem in African American college students.
- Minor adjustments, like collapsing scale points, may enhance its performance.
- Further research should address problematic items and inform multicultural mental health theory.
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