The Development and Validation of a Nonverbal Measure of Self-Esteem: the Sliding Person Test

Abstract

This paper reports validity evidence from several studies for a nonverbal measure of self-esteem, the Sliding Person Test (SPERT). Two versions of SPERT, a wooden manipulative task and a paper-pencil measure, were correlated .81. Convergent validity correlations were comparable to typical correlations among self-concept measures. Test-retest and alternate form reliabilities ranged from .57 to .95. Minimal evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was established, and correlations with IQ and social desirability measures were sufficiently low. Relationships between a measure of self-esteem and those of social adjustment and emotional adjustment supported the findings of other studies. The potential of SPERT for use by counselors in intervention programs and by classroom teachers was demonstrated.

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