Self-Esteem Assessment
Assess self-esteem with the 10-item Rosenberg Scale.
Returns a score from 0-30, a low-to-high category, and evidence-based tips for healthier self-regard.
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was developed by sociologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965. It remains one of the most widely used and well-validated measures of global self-esteem in psychology research and clinical practice.
How it works: The original scale uses 10 statements about your feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance. Each statement is rated on a 4-point Likert scale:
- 3 = Strongly Agree
- 2 = Agree
- 1 = Disagree
- 0 = Strongly Disagree
Five of the items are positively worded (e.g., “I feel I have a number of good qualities”) and five are negatively worded (e.g., “I feel I do not have much to be proud of”). The negatively worded items (numbers 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9) are reverse-scored, meaning “Strongly Agree” gives 0 points instead of 3. This design helps detect inconsistent or careless responses.
Scoring interpretation (full 10-item scale):
| Score Range | Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 25-30 | High self-esteem | Strong sense of self-worth |
| 15-24 | Normal self-esteem | Typical, healthy range |
| Below 15 | Low self-esteem | May benefit from support |
This simplified version uses 6 representative items from the full scale. The scoring ranges are adjusted accordingly, but the interpretation follows the same pattern.
When to use this assessment: This tool is useful for a quick self-check of your general feelings about yourself. It can help you track changes over time — for example, before and after starting a new habit, therapy, or life change.
Important notes:
- This is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. A low score does not mean something is wrong with you — it suggests you may benefit from speaking with a counselor or therapist.
- Self-esteem naturally fluctuates. A single assessment is a snapshot, not a permanent label.
- Cultural factors can influence how people respond to self-esteem questions. What is considered “normal” varies across cultures.
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