Barron’s Ego-Strength Scale – Es
Measures ego strength as a predictor of adaptability, psychological stability, and response to psychotherapy.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Barron’s Ego-Strength Scale – Es was developed by Frank Barron (1953). It is designed to measure Ego Strength. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 66 items organized into 8 factors/subscales: Physical functioning and physiological stability, Psychasthenia and seclusiveness, Attitudes toward religion, Moral posture, Sense of reality, Personal adequacy, ability to cope, Phobias, infantile anxieties, Miscellaneous.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Physical functioning and physiological stability | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 | 10 |
| Psychasthenia and seclusiveness | 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 | 10 |
| Attitudes toward religion | 21,22,23,24,25,26 | 6 |
| Moral posture | 27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37 | 11 |
| Sense of reality | 38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45 | 8 |
| Personal adequacy, ability to cope | 46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56 | 11 |
| Phobias, infantile anxieties | 57,58,59,60,61 | 5 |
| Miscellaneous | 62,63,64,65,66 | 5 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous True/False format.
The scale includes 42 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 66. Interpretation guidelines:
- Lower Ego Strength: 0 – 32
- Higher Ego Strength: 33 – 66
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Not specified.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.