Modeling the Latent Structure of Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale: Combining Continuous and Categorical Variables

• In Event: 72.066 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 72.066-2 - Poster Session: Practical Issues in Measurement

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to explore the latent structure of Rosenberg's Self-Esteem scale by means of factor mixture analysis. In contrast to former studies which employ confirmatory factor analysis, we suggest to combine continuous and categorical latent variables. The main finding of our study is that it is possible to distinguish between two classes of answering behavior: One class is answering consistently, and the other inconsistently across positively and reverse worded items, while one latent factor self-esteem is underlying both classes. The divers answering patterns become visible in different factor loading patterns in the two latent classes. Being member of the inconsistent answering class is associated to lower reading abilities and younger age.

Authors

• Isa Steinmann, University of Dortmund

• Rolf Strietholt, University of Dortmund