Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Eritrean Youth

Abstract

Self-esteem (SE) is one of the most widely studied constructs within the social sciences. While a variety of instruments and methods have been developed to assess SE, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) remains the most extensively used scale worldwide to evaluate SE. Although the RSES has been validated and utilized in numerous settings around the world, and despite its brevity and general ease of administration, it has only been used in a remarkably few settings in Africa. Moreover, to date, it has not been used to explore SE in any country within Northeast Africa. The present study, focusing on Eritrea, a young, developing country, examines the psychometric properties of a translated version of the RSES. The translated RSES was administered to a sample of young Eritreans. Results from the self-report questionnaires show that the translated RSES has a single factor structure, as well as demonstrates high internal consistency and reliability. Additionally, findings suggest that Eritrean youth generally have high SE, while one-way ANOVA results reveal a statistically significant difference in SE between male and female respondents. Specifically, male respondents had higher scores, and higher SE compared to female respondents. The translated RSES is a reliable and valid scale that is suitable and appropriate for use with young Eritreans.