A Measure of Self-Esteem in Singapore Secondary Schools

Stanley Coopersmith (1981. p. 5) defines self-esteem as “the evaluation a person makes and customarily maintains with regard to him- or herself. ‘Self-esteem’ expresses an attitude of approval or disapproval and indicates the extent to which a person believes him- or herself capable, significant, successful and worthy.” This judgement of worthiness of oneself is relatively enduring and general rather than transitory and specific. A person's self-esteem may vary across different areas of experience and role-defined conditions but one will presumably weigh these areas according to their subjective importance and then arrive at a general level of self-esteem. Attitude toward the “self” may or may not be noticed consciously. However, it can be detected through one's behaviour and performance.