Tennessee Self Concept Scale: Reliability, Internal Structure, and Construct Validity

We evaluated the construct validity of responses to the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) in two sets of analyses. First, we used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and an analysis of variance model to examine the internal structure of TSCS responses. Second, we adapted multitrait-multimethod analyses to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of TSCS responses in relation to responses to the Self Description Questionnaire III and to the multidimensional self-concept ratings inferred by external observers. Across all analyses there was consistent support for the TSCS Family, Social, and Physical scales but less consistent support for other TSCS scales. We discuss implications for further research and for the use of the TSCS.