Core Self-Evaluations Scale

What it measures

A unidimensional measure of core self-evaluations — a higher-order trait reflecting the fundamental appraisal individuals make about their self-worth, capabilities, and ability to cope with the world. Integrates self-esteem, generalised self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and emotional stability into a single latent construct.

Response format

Likert (1–5, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Representative items

• I am confident I get the success I deserve in life.
• Sometimes I feel depressed. (R)
• When I try, I generally succeed.
• Sometimes when I fail I feel worthless. (R)
• I complete tasks successfully.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Higher scores = more positive core self-evaluations. Freely available from Timothy Judge. Widely used in organisational psychology as a predictor of job satisfaction, performance, and life satisfaction. Composite measure useful when examining fundamental self-appraisal as a single construct.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Judge, T.A., Erez, A., Bono, J.E., & Thoresen, C.J. (2003). The core self-evaluations scale: Development of a measure. Personnel Psychology, 56(2), 303–331.

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