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Hello Barbara, your approach to defining and measuring self-esteem is well-articulated, especially in how you distinguish between cognitive and affective components (Rader et al., 2024). Your reasons for preferencing positively stated items are sound especially with regard to the conclusion by van Sonderen et al. (2013) showing that reverse-worded items may be misleading and possibly less reliable. However, this means that this method may also improve objectivity, but could equally lead to the problem of acquiescence bias which is when the respondent agrees to everything say regardless of what is stated. Eliminating all the negatively worded items may lead to the reduction of this balance and even decrease the stability of the measure. In efforts to eliminate bias, has it been possible to perform validity checks or have add neutral or filler items that will not cloud the scale but reduce any bias?

References

Rader, L., Gauggel, S., Drueke, B., Weise, L., Forster, S. D., & Mainz, V. (2024). Internal and external self-affirmation resources: validation and assessment of psychometric properties of the spontaneous self-affirmation measure using structural equation modeling. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1217416. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11024277/

 

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Developing a Reliable Instrument for Measuring Self-Esteem Using a 5-Point Likert Scale

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Developing a Reliable Instrument for Measuring Self-Esteem Using a 5-Point Likert Scale

In psychological research, an instrument to measure self-esteem is crucial to develop to allow researchers to understand how individuals evaluate themselves accurately. Kline (2005) defines self-esteem as an overall assessment of one’s value based on what they believe, how they feel, and the experiences developed in life. It can be global, which includes an overall sense of self-worth or domain-specific, like social or academic self-esteem. Likert-type scale is an effective way to measure self-esteem.

Likert-type scale is commonly used as a psychological assessment to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement with a series of statements through either the 4-point or the 5-point version. The format is more nuanced than binary or open answers, as it enables understanding a respondent’s feelings and attitudes. Chomeya (2010) points out that a 5-point Likert scale enhances the reliability of measurements as this helps to eliminate or reduce random guessing and allows the respondent to choose a middle option, thus strengthening the reliability of the data sampled. One benefit of this scale is that it uses various responses that capture the nuanced variation in how individuals feel about their worth.

The definition of the construct of self-esteem is important while constructing a tool to measure self-esteem. While high self-esteem should be defined as consisting of multiple dimensions, global self-worth, and specific domains, it should be a process, not an outcome. Once the construct is defined, the items (questions) must be created to measure self-esteem adequately. Also, these items should be based on known theoretical models, clearly worded, neutral, and balanced. Including positively and negatively worded items is essential to avoid response bias (Lin et al., 2017). Thus, questions like “I feel confident in my ability to handle challenges” (positive) and “I often feel like I am not good enough” (negative) would make sure we measure all the points.

After the development of the items, expert review and content validity testing should be performed. Clarification on the clarity of the items and the accuracy of responses will be made through cognitive interviews and pilot testing. Furthermore, the instrument should also be refined by using statistical techniques such as factor analysis and reliability testing to eliminate weak and redundant items in the instrument. Kline (2005) adds that such methods help ensure that the final instrument is reliable and valid in capturing the true essence of self-esteem.

In conclusion, developing a self-esteem measurement tool necessitates understanding the construct, item generation, and stringent testing. However, using a 5-point Likert scale precisely assesses self-esteem as a reliable and nuanced self-esteem measure, which is an important tool for psychological research.

References

Chomeya, R. (2010). Quality of psychology test between Likert scale 5 and 6 points.
Journal of Social Sciences, 6(3), 399–403.

https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2010.399.403

Kline, T. (2005).
Psychological testing: A practical approach to design and evaluation. Sage Publications.

Lin, C.-Y., Strong, C., Tsai, M.-C., & Lee, C.-T. (2017). Raters interpret positively and negatively worded items similarly in a quality-of-life instrument for children.
INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 54, 004695801769672.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0046958017696724