Measurement of self-concept and self-esteem in older people: State of the art

Self-concept and self-esteem instruments used in gerontological research were reviewed. Instruments were found to vary substantially in their conceptualization of self-concept and/or self-esteem as well as in the amount of attention given to assessing their psychometric properties. The assumptions made about the relationship of age to self-concept and/or self-esteem also varied. More careful attention to selection, construction, interpretation, and continued validation of instruments is recommended. Several instruments are particularly recommended for further use in gerontological research.