Revalidation of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Algeria Using Network Analysis

The aim of the present study was to revalidate the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale using Network Analysis among Algerian university students. A cross-sectional dataset was collected from a sample of 1115 participants, including 738 females (66.2 %) and 377 males (33.8 %). Network Analysis was utilized to investigate the structure of the scale, identify the most influential items in measuring self-esteem, and compare the two networks between females and males. Results revealed a two-dimensional structure of the scale, with negative-worded items forming the first dimension and positive-worded items forming the second dimension. Item 8 was removed due to instability. Centrality indices were employed to identify the items that played a crucial role in enhancing an individual's self-esteem. The results indicated that items 3 and 10 held greater importance in the network for the entire participant group. The Network Comparison Test indicates no difference in Network Invariance between females' and males' networks. However, there is a difference in the global strength of the two networks. The comparison of their centrality indices reveals that items 3 and 10 continue to hold higher importance in the network for females. In contrast, for males, item 4 takes precedence over items 10 and 3. The findings provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale with nine items in measuring self-esteem among Algerian university students.