Psychometric properties of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale among people with arthritis

After 30 years of use the factor structure of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale remains the subject of debate. Most studies have focused on school-aged or undergraduate students. There are few psychometric data for older people or for those with disabilities. This study compared the factor structures of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale among 117 adults with arthritis and 185 undergraduate students. A two-factor solution provided the best fit for both samples, although the item content of the factors differed slightly. Further investigation is required to assess whether the difference is due to age or the presence of physical disability. Nonetheless, the scale discriminated well between students and adults with arthritis.