Self-esteem (RSES)
How you value and respect yourself. Answer the app’s questionnaire and see your result right away.
Source · Rosenberg M. Society and the Adolescent Self-Image. Princeton University Press; 1965.
How to read the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
The RSES was created by sociologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965 as part of his research on adolescent self-image. It looks at global self-esteem: how you regard yourself as a whole person rather than how good you are at a specific task. Items cover feeling worthwhile, having good qualities, feeling like a failure and being satisfied with yourself, split between positively and negatively worded statements. This page uses an English translation of the CareOps version, which has not been independently validated in English.
Reading your results
Higher scores mean more self-respect. The result screen shows 0–14 as lower, 15–25 as middle and 26–30 as higher self-esteem. The five negatively worded items are reverse-scored, so check whether your score was pulled down by agreeing with harsh statements or by not agreeing with the kind ones. A score reflects how you see yourself now, not your worth. If it stays low and self-blame fills your days, that is worth talking through.
A question to reflect on
Write down one thought this week that put you down. Next to it, write what you would say to a close friend who said the same thing about themselves. Reading the two side by side often reveals a standard you apply only to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
- How many questions are in Self-esteem (RSES), and how long does it take?
- There are 10 questions, and it usually takes about 2 minutes. For each question you choose one of 4 answers, from “Strongly disagree” to “Strongly agree”. There are no right or wrong answers.
- What should I do if my self-esteem score is low?
- Start by seeing which items scored low. If they relate to a recent setback, connect them with that experience. Practising a kinder way of speaking to yourself is a good first step.
- Is self-esteem the same as confidence?
- Confidence usually means believing you can do a particular task well. The self-esteem measured here is closer to seeing yourself as a decent person regardless of results. You can feel capable at work and still dislike yourself.
- Can my score change from day to day?
- Self-esteem is fairly stable but can dip after a big setback or rise after praise. Answer with your usual self in mind rather than an unusually good or bad day.
- Do I need to sign in? Are my answers saved?
- You can see your results right away without signing in. Your answers are used only for scoring and are not stored on our servers.
- Can I bring these results into a counseling session?
- Use the analysis button at the bottom of the result screen to have a short conversation with Maeumi without signing in. After the conversation, you can continue in the app. The web conversation does not transfer automatically to the app.
- Can I share my results with a friend?
- Yes. Use Share at the top right of the result screen to send a friend the check itself, or share your result as a link or story image. A result link carries your scores inside the address only; it does not include your name or account, and nothing is saved on our side.