Assessing the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale Dimensionality and Items Functioning in Relation to Self-efficacy and Attachment Styles

The purpose of this research was the definition of the dimensionality of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) among Italian adults. The RSES external relations with self-efficacy and attachment styles were also examined. An important goal was moreover the analysis of the functioning of RSES items when related to self-efficacy and attachment style. A latent trait approach was chosen for the analysis (Many-Facet Rasch Model — MFRM; Linacre, 1989). Participants were 435 Italian university students. The results showed the existence of a main self-esteem dimension. The RSES was significantly related to the external variables. The analysis of the functioning of the items was quite instructive to understand the specificity of each single item construct. It appears that both the content of the item and, in particular, its negative or positive wording affect participants’ responses.