Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Self Esteem Inventory (SEI) for use in Japan. Internal consistency and split-half for the scales’ reliability, criterion-related validity and construct validity were tested on 244 primary school children. At the same time, the subjects responded to the Father, Mother and Child Relationship Inventory (FMCI) and the General Anxiety Test (GAT) questionnaires. Cronbach’s α coefficient for each of the above three scales was 0.84, 0.94, and 0.93, respectively, and the split-half was 0.80, 0.91, and 0.85, respectively, indicating satisfactory reliability. No difference was observed between male and female for the SEI or the FMCI but a significant difference was observed between the sexes in the GAT results (p<0.01). Criterion-related validity was supported by significant correlation of the SEI and the FMCI (r=0.49, p<0.01), and of the SEI and the GAT (r=-0.50, p<0.01). The results of factor analysis, however, showed construct validity to be extremely low, negating the validity of the Japanese version of the SEI and indicating room for further study. The results also demonstrated a need to clarify the constructs for self-esteem.
