Adapting and validating the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for elderly Spanish population

This study aims to adapt and validate the most common measure of self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), in the elderly Spanish population based on the initial one-factor model proposed by the author of the scale.

The factorial validity of the scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis.

The study was carried out in the city of Valencia (Spain).

A total of 231 elderly people with a mean age 72.68 (SD=8.55).

The participants completed the questionnaire RSES for the validation process, sociodemographic data and Mini-Mental State Examination.

Confirmatory factor analysis with a five-item structure for the one-factor structure showed good fit indexes (Chi square [5] = 217.20, p < .05; CFI = .965; GFI = .980; RMSEA = .070 [90% confidence interval of RMSEA, .022-.087]), and reliability, as internal consistency, measure with Cronbach's alpha was .732.

The adaptation of the RSES showed a unifactorial structure with good internal consistency. This reduced adaptation/version of the scale may facilitate clinical practice and be useful in research in older people.