Assessing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale dimensionality and items functioning in relation to self-efficacy and attachment styles

The purpose of this research consists in 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 are also examined. An important goal is also the analysis of the functioning of the RSES items when related to self-efficacy and attachment style. A latent trait approach is chosen for the analysis (Many-Facet Rasch Model - MFRM – Linacre, 1989). The participants are 435 Italian university students. The results show that a main self-esteem dimension exists . The RSES is significantly related with the external variables. The analysis of the functioning of the items is quite instructive in order to understand the specificity of each single item construct. It appears that both the content of the item and in particular its either negative or positive wording, affect the subjects’ responses.