Self-esteem was measured by means of graphic rating scales for 25 girls who participated in a 3-wk. sorority "rushing" program and who were successful in attaining membership. Assessment was made before rushing, twice during the process, and after acceptance. Three indices of self-esteem are examined according to their reliabilities (internal consistency and stability), variability, and validity. Ratings of self as actually perceived are judged to be superior to self ratings from either an aspired or critical viewpoint. A caution is raised against indiscriminate use of discrepancy scores, and a suggestion is offered for improving precision of measurement.
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