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Rate yourself on a scale of 0-4 for each statement as to your current feelings and behaviors.

0 = I NEVER feel or behave that way

1 = I RARELY feel or behave that way (25% of the time)

2 = I SOMETIMES feel or behave that way (50% of the time)

3 = I USUALLY feel or behave that way (75% of the time)

4= I ALWAYS feel or behave that way

_____ 1. My feelings about myself are dependent on other people’s opinions.

_____ 2. I get my feelings hurt easily.

_____ 3. I find it difficult to be myself when someone popular is near me.

_____ 4. I feel uncomfortable if my friends know that I make good grades or am proud of my achievements.

_____ 5. I find it difficult to say no when my friends want to do something of which adults would not approve.

_____ 6. I do not like to be alone.

_____ 7. I see people’s faults before I see their good points.

_____ 8. I say positive, kind things to myself in my mind with my self-talk.

_____ 9. I feel my own feelings and think my own thoughts, even when those around me think or feel differently.

_____10. I am a good person, even when I make mistakes or behave badly.

_____11. I am of equal value to all other people. I am not "better than" or "less than" anyone else.

_____12. I forgive myself and others for making mistakes and being unaware.

_____13. I accept responsibility for my choices both wise and unwise, and willingly accept the consequences.

_____14. I develop my interests and use my talents.

_____15. I choose to love and respect every human being, including myself.

This is not a test and is not scored like a test. It is designed to make you think.

A person with high self-esteem scores low on the first seven statements and high on the last eight.

A person with low self-esteem scores high on the first seven statements and low on the last eight.

This is not a measure of your worth, only an indicator where you can benefit by looking at beliefs fostering low self-esteem. As you update false beliefs, you build healthy self-esteem.

Note to teachers: These statements make good discussion and journal questions. Ask for examples.

Taken from Empowering Teens to Build Self-Esteem,
by Suzanne E. Harrill, M.Ed. www.InnerworksPublishing.com