Self-worth is at the core of how we experience life. It influences the way we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and the opportunities we believe we deserve. But how do we measure our sense of self-worth? One of the most widely recognised tools for this is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1989), a ten-question assessment designed to gauge a person’s overall self-esteem.
This scale requires participants to respond to statements such as "I feel that I’m a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others" or "I take a positive attitude toward myself." The responses are scored on a four-point scale from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree, with some items requiring reverse scoring to ensure a balanced measure of self-esteem.
For many of us, self-worth can feel fragile. It may fluctuate depending on external validation, past experiences, or even societal expectations. Some days, we might strongly agree with statements of confidence and value; other days, we might lean towards the statements that reflect doubt and insecurity. The key to long-term self-worth, however, is not in external validation but in the way we choose to frame our own narrative.
Changing the Narrative of Your Life
Regardless of where we are in life, we hold the power to rewrite our story. If you currently feel that you lack worth, it does not mean this feeling is permanent. Human flourishing is always possible, no matter where we start. True fulfilment comes not from achieving external success but from aligning our lives with our values, strengths, and personal vision.
One of the most empowering shifts we can make is to reframe failure as a lesson rather than a defining moment. We are not our mistakes, and we are certainly not the negative thoughts that creep in on difficult days. Self-worth is cultivated through self-compassion, intentional action, and recognising that we all have something unique to contribute to the world.
Ask yourself: What makes me feel most alive? What strengths do I have that I may be overlooking? When we start focusing on our inherent value, rather than waiting for external approval, we begin to build a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a useful tool for reflection, but it is not the ultimate measure of our worth. Our value is not determined by a number—it is defined by the way we choose to engage with life. No matter where you are now, you have the ability to shift your mindset, embrace your strengths, and create a life of fulfilment and human flourishing.
References
Rosenberg, M. (1989). Society and the adolescent self-image. Wesleyan University Press.
Jhangiani, R. S., Chiang, I.-C. A., Cuttler, C., & Leighton, D. C. (2019). Research methods in psychology (3rd ed.). https://opentextbc.ca/researchmethods/
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