Self Esteem/Self Concept Scales for Children and Adolescents: A Review

Abstract

There remains a flourishing interest in self esteem/self concept both in academic and clinical circles and popular literature. This paper elaborates various notions of the self and discusses the principles underpinning ways of measuring self esteem/self concept with children and adolescents. A review over the last 20 years indicates a raft of scales currently employed. The 14 most frequently cited are considered, with the top six measures and the latest British scale discussed in detail. The paper highlights issues and themes emerging from a comprehensive analysis of these scales, with a conclusion framed around assisting the reader to make an informed choice.