On the structure of self-esteem: Comments on Ziller's formulation.

Abstract

Conceptual issues in Ziller's research on social self-esteem (Ziller, Hagey, Smith, & Long, 1969) were reviewed in the light of recent theoretical and empirical work. Three limitations of the social self-esteem (SSE) measure and its supporting rationale were noted: (a) failure to distinguish between level and source of self-esteem, (b) implicit “masculine” bias, and (c) implicit cultural bias. These considerations would appear to explain the “negative” findings reported by Ziller et al. and suggest modifications of the SSE formulation which could extend its generality.