Psychometric Integrity of the Self-Esteem Index: A Comparison of Normative and Field Study Results

The purpose of the present study was to offer field estimates of the factor validity and internal consistency reliability of the Self-Esteem Index (SEI) using SEI data from 208 regular and special education students. Exploratory factor analytic results supported the existence of four factors, as anticipated; however, various inconsistencies were noted between the anticipated and actual factors with which particular items were associated. Likewise, confirmatory LISREL results indicated a somewhat poor fit of the expected factor model to the data. Alpha reliability results were somewhat more promising, with coefficients for scores on the entire scale and the four anticipated subscales exceeding.80. Based on the findings, the authors offer cautions regarding use of the instrument in educational settings.