Birth Cohort Differences in Self-Esteem, 1988–2008: A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis

• DOI: 10.1037/a0019919
• Publication Date: 2010-08-30T19:10:25Z
• Authors: Brittany Gentile; Jean M. Twenge; W. Keith Campbell
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences

Three meta-analyses find increases over the generations in Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE) scores between 1988 and 2008 among American middle school ( d = 0.78, n 10,119), high 0.39, 16,669), college students 0.30, 28,918). The changes are consistent with an increasing emphasis on self-worth culture and, for students, small academic competence time. College students’ change only when RSE is administered a 4-point Likert no midpoint. By 2008, score of 40 (perfect self-esteem) was modal response chosen by 18% participants; 51% scored 35 or over. Given these shifts responses, possibility revising discussed.