Arabic translation and validation of the contingencies of self-worth scale in lebanese youth

Abstract EN

Objectives : this research examined the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the 35-item Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSW) in Lebanese youth.

The Arabic CSW measures seven domains on which people base their self-worth : Others’ Approval, Appearance, Academic Competence, Competition, Family Support, Virtue and God’s Love.

Method : A total of 282 Lebanese university students were administered the Arabic CSW after translation, using back-translation methodology.

Lebanese youth were also administered the Arabic Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale and the Arabic Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale to assess their relationship to the seven domains of self-esteem.

Results : Factor analysis of Arabic CSW resulted in the identification of seven empirically derived and internally consistent factors comparable to those reported for the English version of the measure.

Females reported basing their self-worth more than males on academic competence, family support, moral adequacy and religious faith.

Also those sourcing their self-esteem on the approval and acceptance of others reported lower self-worth and higher depression.

Conclusion : Overall, the findings support the cultural application of the Arabic CSW Scale in the collectivist Lebanese context.