Blackwell Reference Online

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Self-esteem is the evaluative dimension of self-regard, combining a cognitive and an affective aspect. People acquire knowledge of themselves, organized into schemas derived from direct experience as well as the real or imagined judgments of others. And they respond emotionally to this knowledge. They feel about themselves essentially the same range of affect that they are capable of directing toward any object. Fear, anger, hatred, love, pride, satisfaction, anxiety loathing, shame, guilt, embarrassment, and other named emotions which may figure in the experience of self. Self-esteem may exist as a global sense of worth or value; it may be felt in relation to particular accomplishments or spheres of competence; and it may be experienced in relation to the person's real or desired membership in racial, ethic, or other collectivities, with a sense of worth derived from identification with them. Social scientists most commonly emphasize global self-esteem, measuring it by asking individuals to agree or disagree with self-referential statements. Typical of self-esteem measures, and still the most widely used, is the ten-item global scale developed by Morris Rosenberg ( Rosenberg, 1965 , pp. 305–307): 1.  On the whole I am satisfied with myself. 2.  At times I think I am no good at all. 3.  I feel that I have a number of good qualities. 4.  I am able to do things as well as most other ... log in or subscribe to read full text