Robson Self Concept Questionnaire

Introduction to Robson Self Concept Questionnaire

The human experience is intricately woven with self-esteem, a delicate internal compass guiding our sense of worth and shaping our interactions with the world. Yet, accurately gauging this multifaceted concept can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Enter the Robson Self Concept Questionnaire (SCQ), a valuable tool for self-exploration and understanding the intricate tapestry of our self-perceptions.

Developed by psychologist John M. Robson in 1989, the SCQ transcends a mere score by offering a nuanced lens into the various facets of self-esteem. Unlike unidimensional measures, it delves into seven key domains, each illuminating a distinct aspect of our self-image:

  • Subjective Sense of Significance: Do you feel valued and appreciated, like you hold a unique place in the world?
  • Worthiness: Do you believe in your inherent value, deserving of love and respect regardless of external validation?
  • Appearance and Social Acceptability: How comfortable are you in your own skin? Does social acceptance significantly impact your self-worth?
  • Competence: Do you possess the skills and abilities to navigate life’s challenges with confidence?
  • Resilience and Determination: Can you weather storms and bounce back from setbacks with unwavering resolve?
  • Control over Personal Destiny: Do you feel like the author of your life story, empowered to shape your own path?
  • Value of Existence: Do you find meaning and purpose in life, a reason to get out of bed each morning?

By responding to 30 statements on a scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree,” you create a personalized map of your self-view across these domains. While there are no definitive “right” or “wrong” answers, the SCQ provides a score that reflects your overall self-esteem level, allowing you to compare it to established norms and identify potential areas for exploration.

But the true value of the SCQ lies beyond mere numbers. It empowers you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, offering:

  • Enhanced Self-Awareness: The questionnaire acts as a mirror, reflecting your strengths, weaknesses, and potential blind spots in your self-perception. This newfound awareness becomes the bedrock for personal growth and positive change.
  • Identification of Potential Issues: Low scores in certain domains might act as red flags, prompting you to seek professional guidance if needed. Early intervention can be crucial in addressing underlying concerns before they escalate.
  • Tracking Progress: As you engage in therapy, self-improvement efforts, or simply navigate life’s ups and downs, the SCQ allows you to monitor changes in your self-esteem over time. This data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your efforts and motivates you to stay on track.
  • Open Communication: The SCQ can serve as a springboard for constructive discussions with therapists, counselors, or trusted individuals. By sharing your results and exploring them together, you gain valuable perspectives and support on your journey towards a healthier self-image.

However, it’s essential to remember that the SCQ is a tool, not a definitive answer. It’s not a diagnostic test, and consulting a qualified professional remains crucial for addressing any identified concerns. Additionally, individual scores can be influenced by current mood and life circumstances. Taking the SCQ consistently over time allows for more reliable comparisons and minimizes the impact of temporary fluctuations. Finally, cultural and social norms significantly impact self-esteem perceptions. Consider your background and context when interpreting your score and avoid rigid comparisons with others.

Remember, the Robson SCQ is not a magic solution, but a valuable companion on your path to self-discovery. By acknowledging its limitations and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can utilize this tool to embark on a journey of self-exploration and build a healthier, more positive self-image. Remember, the truest treasures often lie within, waiting to be unearthed with a little self-reflection and support.

Items of Robson Self Concept Questionnaire

Name …………………………………………………………………………………                                      Date:                      /               /
This questionnaire deals with attitudes and beliefs which some people have about themselves.
Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each statement by ringing the single number in each section which represents how you typically feel most of the time.
Since people vary so much in the opinions they hold‚ there are no right or wrong answers.
Completely Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Completely Agree
1.
I have control over my own life.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2.
I’m easy to like.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3.
I never feel down in the dumps for very long.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4:
I can never seem to achieve anything worthwhile.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5:
There are lots of things I’d change about myself if I could.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6.
I am not embarrassed to let people know my opinions.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7:
I don’t care what happens to me.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8:
I seem to be very unlucky.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9.
Most people find me reasonably attractive.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10.
I’m glad I’m who I am.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
11:
Most people would take advantage of me if they could.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
12.
I am a reliable person.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
13:
It would be boring if I talked about myself.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
14:
When I’m successful‚ there’s usually a lot of luck involved.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
15.
I have a pleasant personality.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
16.
If a task is difficult‚ that just makes me all the more determined.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
17:
I often feel humiliated.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
18.
I can usually make up my mind and stick to it.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
19:
Everyone else seems much more confident and
contented than me.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20:
Even when I quite enjoy myself‚ there doesn’t seem
much purpose to it all.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
21:
I often worry about what other people are thinking about me.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
22:
There’s a lot of truth in the saying “What will be‚ will be”.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
23:
I look awful these days.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
24.
If I really try‚ I can overcome most of my problems.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
25:
It’s pretty tough to be me.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
26.
I feel emotionally mature.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
27:
When people criticize me‚ I often feel helpless and second-rate.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
28:
When progress is difficult‚ I often find myself thinking
it’s just not worth the effort.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
29.
I can like myself even when others don’t.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
30.
Those who know me well are fond of me.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Please check that you have responded to every statement

Scores on the Robson Self Concept Questionnaire

NB You do not have to score the Robson yourself (or any of the others) — the database has an automatic scoring system‚ and experience in the pilot was that there is a high rate of human error in scoring this particular questionnaire! The information below is for those who are interested only.
Scoring
Some items are scored as printed‚ others are reversed.
·         The 14 ‘normal’ items (Qu 1‚ 2‚ 3‚ 6‚ 9‚ 10‚ 12‚ 15‚ 16‚ 18‚ 24‚ 26‚ 29‚ 30) have a full stop after the question number (e.g. 2.) — scoring for these is taken straight off the scale as printed.
·         The 16 ‘reversed’ items (Qu 4‚ 5‚ 7‚ 8‚ 11‚ 13‚ 14‚ 17‚ 19‚ 20‚ 21‚ 22‚ 23‚ 25‚ 27‚ 28) have a colon after the question number (e.g. 4:) — scoring is reversed for these (i.e. 0 = 7‚ 1 = 6 etc).
·         Add up the numbers obtained like this to get the total score.

Norms of Robson Self Concept Questionnaire

Reference group
Mean total score
S.D.
From Robson (1989):
70 controls with “…no evidence of psychological disorder…”
137.0
20.2
51 patients with DSM-III GAD
108.0
24.8
47 consecutive referrals to Psychotherapy Dept
99.8
24.0
From Robson (personal communication)
200 controls
140.0
19.8
From Romans‚ Martin & Mullen (1996) [New Zealand sample]:
225 women from random community sample (those who did not report CSA)
147.4
25.8
252 women from random community sample (those who did report CSA)
138.8
29.6
Pooling the Robson control samples gives an estimate for the ‘normal’ mean in British samples = 139.2 (SD=19.9); so to simplify a bit for routine clinical use we take it as mean = 140‚ SD = 20.

References

Robson (1989). Development of a new self-report questionnaire to measure self-esteem. Psychological Medicine‚ 19‚ 513-518.

Romans‚ Martin & Mullen (1996). Women’s self-esteem: a community study of women who report and do not report childhood sexual abuse. British Journal of Psychiatry‚ 169‚ 696-704.

David Westbrook
October 1997
http://www.octc.co.uk
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Related terms:

  1. The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ)
  2. Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire
  3. Academic Self-Concept
  4. Bryant Self Concept Survey (BSCS)
  5. Piers Harris Children s Self-Concept Scale
  6. Self-concept Semantic Differential Scale
  7. Self-concept Semantic Differential
  8. Tennessee Self Concept Scale TSCS
  9. Behavioral Self-Concept Scale (BSCS)
  10. Self-Concept Theory