Adapting and validating the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for elderly Spanish population

Objectives: This study aims to adapt and validate the most common measure of self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), in the elderly Spanish population based on the initial one-factor model proposed by the author of the scale. Design: The factorial validity of the scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Setting: The study was carried out in the city of Valencia (Spain). Participants: A total of 231 elderly people with a mean age 72.68 (SD=8.55). Measurements: The participants completed the questionnaire RSES for the validation process, sociodemographic data and Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis with a five-item structure for the one-factor structure showed good fit indexes (Chi square [5] = 217.20, p < .05; CFI = .965; GFI = .980; RMSEA = .070 [90% confidence interval of RMSEA, .022-.087]), and reliability, as internal consistency, measure with Cronbach's alpha was .732. Conclusion: The adaptation of the RSES showed a unifactorial structure with good internal consistency. This reduced adaptation/version of the scale may facilitate clinical practice and be useful in research in older people.