Self-Esteem

I have been doing some study on self-esteem and thought I’d try something interesting. Here is the Rosenberg self esteem test (one of the more prominent self-esteem tests on the market). Try taking the test based on how you typically feel.

Instruction: Circle the number that best represents your response.

*1. I feel that I am a person of worth, at least on an equal basis with others.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

*2. I feel that I have a number of good qualities.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

3. All in all, I am inclined to think that I am a failure.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

*4. I am able to do things as well as most other people.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

*6. I take a positive attitude toward myself.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

*7. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

8. I wish I could have more respect for myself.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

9. I certainly feel useless at times.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

10. At times I think I am no good at all.

1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Disagree 4. Strongly disagree

To get your total score, reverse-score *’d items 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 (make 1 = 4, 2 = 3, 3 = 4, and 4 = 1). Then add the new scores to your original scores on items 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Scored this way, higher numbers indicate more positive feelings about oneself.

Source: From Rosenberg, 1965.

Now that you’ve taken the self-esteem test and know where you are, look over the questions again. This time, think about these questions in light of the Gospel message. Think about how God created you in his image and called you his child. Next, recall how he made you so uniquely with specific DNA, fingerprints, characteristics, talents, looks, abilities, and etc. to make you unique. Now, consider how your sin and rebellion has caused a need for Jesus to die on the cross for you. Finally, remember the price paid so that God could give you his Holy Spirit and mark you as a new creation to receive eternal reward some day. Think about it all- the good, the bad, and the holy. Now, take the test again with this story in mind. Isn’t it amazing how a Gospel view of self alters one’s self-view?