Self-Worth Sources Test (CSWS)

The Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSWS) was developed by Jennifer Crocker, R. K. Luhtanen, M. L. Cooper, and A. Bouvrette in a 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Rather than treating self-esteem as a single, global rating of self-liking, Crocker and her team proposed that people differ fundamentally in the domains they rely upon to feel good about themselves. These contingencies act as internal conditions: when you succeed or experience positive feedback in a domain that matters to you, your self-esteem gets a boost, but when you encounter setbacks or criticism in that same area, your sense of value drops.

The CSWS measures seven distinct sources of self-worth that shape daily emotional life. Approval From Others reflects how much your self-esteem depends on whether people hold a favorable opinion of you or respect you. Appearance measures how strongly your sense of value is tied to feeling attractive and liking the way your face or body looks. Competition captures self-worth derived from outperforming others, winning, and demonstrating superior skill on a task. Academic Competence reflects a reliance on educational success, good grades, and intellectual achievement to feel worthwhile. Family Support involves deriving self-worth from the love, pride, and quality of relationships with family members. Virtue centers self-respect on acting ethically, living up to a moral code, and avoiding wrongdoing. Finally, God's Love describes self-worth anchored in spiritual faith and feeling loved by the divine.

Research using the CSWS shows that the specific sources of self-worth someone relies on have distinct psychological consequences. External contingencies—such as approval from others, appearance, and competition—are often more vulnerable to daily fluctuations because they depend on unpredictable external events and validation. Relying heavily on external domains has been linked to higher anxiety, stress, and vulnerability to depressive symptoms when failures occur. Conversely, internal or relational contingencies—such as virtue, family support, or spiritual connection—tend to offer a more stable foundation for self-esteem, buffering against external pressures. However, any strong contingency can create psychological vulnerability when that specific domain is threatened.

To give your scores a helpful point of reference, the chart places your result beside an estimated comparison marker for each domain. These markers are approximate: typical adults tend to score moderately high on family support and virtue, moderate on academic competence and competition, and variable on approval, appearance, and spiritual faith. Those figures are informed estimates rescaled from the general pattern seen in published samples using the CSWS, not validated population percentiles or clinical norms for this specific online test. Treat them as a rough backdrop to help interpret your profile rather than an exact benchmark or diagnosis.

This test is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument, does not offer psychological or clinical advice, and is not affiliated with Jennifer Crocker, Ohio State University, or the authors of the scale. Your profile reflects the domains you currently emphasize for your self-esteem, not a permanent judgment on your character or personal worth. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, self-criticism, or emotional distress, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional for support.

References

• Crocker, J., Luhtanen, R. K., Cooper, M. L., & Bouvrette, A. (2003). Contingencies of Self-Worth in College Students: Theory and Measurement. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(5), 894-908.

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