Dimensionality and construct validity of the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale within a sample of recidivistic prisoners

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the construct validity and factor structure of the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale (RSES) using a sample (n=312) of Polish prisoners incarcerated in Nowogard High Security Prison.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models under investigation was limited to two by virtue of employing a much stricter and more rigorously sound methodological procedure in which item errors were prevented from correlating, as suggested by Brown.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the two‐factor (positive and negative self‐esteem) model provided a better fit for the RSES items than did the one‐factor model.

Originality/value

The results provide some initial support for the two‐dimensional model that could possibly be measuring substantively separate factors within a prison sample, thus calling into question the one‐factor solution of the RSES.

Citation

Boduszek, D., Shevlin, M., Mallett, J., Hyland, P. and O'Kane, D. (2012), "Dimensionality and construct validity of the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale within a sample of recidivistic prisoners", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/20093821211210468