Mean And Covariance Structures Analyses: An Examination Of The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Among Adolescents And Adults

Abstract

Evidence of equivalence of measures is necessary before comparisons can be made across groups. Comparability of a measure is a matter of degrees from weak to strong. Many examinations of factorial invariance examine the factor pattern coefficients but not the stronger requirement of equivalence of intercept terms. This study examined the cross-age comparability of the widely used Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) in a sample of adolescents and adults in families receiving Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC). Multiple-group mean and covariance structures (MACS) analysis was used to demonstrate strong invariance of the measures and make comparisons across age groups. Similarities of means in the RSES were found across groups.