The measurement of self-esteem: practical and theoretical considerations

Pupils from three age groups (187 in year 7; 161 in year 8 and 200 in year 9) completed two separate measures of self-esteem. Children in years 7 and 8 completed the Self Perception Profile for Children (Harter, The Self-perception Profile for Children: Revision of the Perceived Competence Scale for Children, 1985) and those in year 9 the Self Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, The Self-perception Profile for Adolescents, 1988). We report reservations about the use of Harterʹs scales for British children, especially in that there was not a ready differentiation of overall self-esteem into specific domains as suggested by Harter. A small proportion of pupils experienced some difficulties in understanding the response format. The data are discussed in terms of the development of multidimensionality of self-esteem in childhood.