What’s in a name? Exploring overlap among self-belief constructs

Abstract

Jingle-jangle fallacies, which are pervasive in psychology, complicate measurement, propagate confusion among scholars, and weaken the conclusions researchers can draw from their studies. In the present study (N = 1,258), we investigated these issues in the domain of self-belief constructs (self-efficacy, self-competence, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, self-value, self-regard, self-liking, and self-respect). Exploratory factor analyses at the scale- and item-levels provided evidence of significant overlap among constructs. A two-factor solution may be best supported by the data, where self-efficacy constitutes one factor and all other constructs the second (though where self-competence falls is less clear). Ultimately, these findings draw attention to the need for clear and concise construct definitions, precise and well-validated measurement instruments, and careful consideration when researchers propose new constructs.