Citation

Longworth C, Deakins J, Rose D, Gracey F. Neuropsychol. Rehabil. 2018; 28(7): 1078-1094.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Psychology and The Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Affiliation, Faculty of Medicine and Health , University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09602011.2016.1226185

PMID

27580356

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) has a negative impact on self-esteem, which is in turn associated with mood disorders, maladaptive coping and reduced community participation. The aim of the current research was to explore self-esteem as a multi-dimensional construct and identify which factors are associated with symptoms of anxiety or depression. Eighty adults with ABI aged 17-56 years completed the Robson Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), of whom 65 also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; 57.5% of the sample had clinically low self-esteem. The RSES had good internal consistency (α =  .89), and factor analysis identified four factors, which differed from those found previously in other populations. Multiple regression analysis revealed anxiety was differentially predicted by "Self-Worth" and "Self-Efficacy", R(2) =  .44, F(4, 58) =   9, p <  .001, and depression by "Self-Regard", R(2) =  .38, F(4, 58) =   9, p <  .001. A fourth factor, "Confidence", did not predict depression or anxiety. In conclusion, the RSES is a reliable measure of self-esteem after ABI. Self-esteem after ABI is multidimensional and differs in structure from self-esteem in the general population. A multidimensional model of self-esteem may be helpful in development of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural accounts of adjustment.

Language: en