Self-Esteem Test
A confidential self-assessment built on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the most widely used measure of global self-worth in psychology research. You get an instant, plain-language result, a clear interpretation, and a professional PDF report you can keep or bring to a therapist.
One trusted measure of how you value yourself
Self-esteem is not about confidence in any single skill. It is your overall sense of being a worthwhile person. The Rosenberg scale captures that global feeling with ten balanced statements, half worded positively and half negatively, so the score reflects a steady picture rather than a passing mood.
Validated RSES items
The ten original Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale statements, worded faithfully. Five are positive and five are negative, which guards against simply agreeing with everything.
A single clear score
Each item scores 0 to 3, so the total runs from 0 to 30. Higher means stronger global self-worth. The score is read against decades of research norms.
A supportive interpretation
Most online quizzes give a vague label and stop. Your result explains what the score does and does not mean, normalizes where you land, and points to concrete next steps.
| Feature | Typical free quiz | Psychology.com |
|---|---|---|
| Validated Rosenberg (RSES) questions | Sometimes | Yes, faithful wording |
| Correct reverse scoring (5 items) | Often wrong | Yes, handled internally |
| Research-based score bands | Rarely shown | Yes, explained clearly |
| Clinician-reviewed interpretation | Rarely | Yes, MD reviewed |
| Concrete next steps | No | Yes, evidence-based |
| Downloadable PDF report | No | Yes, branded & shareable |
| Confidential (no data sent) | Often tracked | Runs in your browser |
Methodology & sources
The ten questions reproduce the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), a public-domain instrument and the most widely used measure of global self-esteem in the social sciences. Five items are positively worded and five are negatively worded; the negatively worded items are reverse-scored so that a higher total always reflects higher self-esteem. Each item is answered on a four-point agreement scale (Strongly agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly disagree) scored 0 to 3, giving a total from 0 to 30.
This screening is provided for education and self-reflection. We use widely cited interpretive bands: roughly 15 to 25 is considered the normal range, below 15 suggests low self-esteem, and above 25 suggests high self-esteem. Self-esteem is a snapshot that can shift with circumstances and support, so the result is best read as a starting point for reflection rather than a fixed trait.
- Rosenberg M. Society and the Adolescent Self-Image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press; 1965.
- Robins RW, Hendin HM, Trzesniewski KH. Measuring global self-esteem: construct validation of a single-item measure and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2001;27(2):151–161.
- Sinclair SJ, Blais MA, Gansler DA, Sandberg E, Bistis K, LoCicero A. Psychometric properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: overall and across demographic groups living within the United States. Eval Health Prof. 2010;33(1):56–80.
Self-Esteem Test FAQ
What is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale?
It is a ten-item questionnaire developed by sociologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965 to measure global self-worth. It is the most widely used self-esteem measure in research and is free for use. It is a screening tool for reflection, not a diagnosis.
What score counts as low self-esteem?
On the common interpretation, a total below 15 out of 30 suggests low self-esteem, 15 to 25 is the normal range, and above 25 suggests high self-esteem. These are guides drawn from research norms, not strict clinical thresholds.
Is this test a diagnosis?
No. It is for education and self-reflection only. Self-esteem is not itself a diagnosis, though persistently low self-worth can accompany conditions like depression or anxiety. If your result concerns you, a therapist can help.
Can self-esteem actually change?
Yes. Self-esteem is not fixed. It shifts with experiences, relationships, and how you talk to yourself. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and self-compassion practice have good evidence for raising it over time.
Is the test really confidential?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, never stored, and never linked to you. No account is needed, and the optional PDF is generated on your own device.