An application of Gough's conceptual model to a measure of adolescent self-esteem

The concept of self-esteem is central in psychology, but few well-validated measures exist. This paper presents some preliminary data on the Self-Esteem Questionnaire (SEQ) organized along Gough's conceptual model of primary, secondary, and tertiary evaluation. The SEQ appears to discriminate groups along a self-esteem continuum; fits in well with a variety of theoretical approaches; does not have nuisance loadings on sex, intelligence, or social status; is unduly affected by social desirability; and correlates well with standard measures of self-esteem.Received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Research interests include psychological testing and creativity.Received her B.A. from the University of Arizona. Research interests include child abuse and statistical methodology.