Exploring the validity of scores from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) in Burundi: A multi-strategy approach

Abstract

The present study aimed to validate the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) in Burundi, through a multi-strategy approach used in cross-cultural studies. Respondents were 906 health workers (men = 56%; caregivers 60%). They responded to a bilingual version of RSES. We utilised Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CFA) with structural equation modelling and a back translation test to explore the structure of the RSES and the reliability of scores from the scale. Data from an independent sample were analysed for the reliability of scores assessment. CFA results suggested that the global RSES factor was likely contaminated by a method-effect; mainly associated with negatively worded items. Internal consistencies and a back-translation test demonstrated that the negatively worded items were unsuitable in this context. The independent sample study confirmed poor reliability and internal consistency of scores for both alternative language versions of the RSES. Our data suggested that an overall cultural effect, rather than a merely specific language effect, may undermine the cross-cultural transportability of the Western scale.

Keywords:

• Burundi
• cross-cultural equivalence
• negatively worded item
• RSES
• self-esteem
• structural equation modelling

Authors’ note

This research was supported by a scholar grant, for the main author, from the “Fond pour la Formation à la Recherche dans l’Industrie et l’Argiculture” (FRIA) of the Belgian Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS). This publication was supported by the “Fondation Universitaire de Belgique”.

Notes

1 The term “collectivist” refers here to the anthropological concept that has typically divided cultures into two categories: collectivist and individualist (Triandis, 1988).

2 Each item was coded as follows: the letter represents the wording (P for Positively and N for Negatively) and the number represents the order of each item in the French version of the RSES validated by Vallieres & Vallerand (1990).