Directions: The authors selected the two-factor model (same as the correlated traits model in Gnambs et al., 2019) for the original version of the RSES, while unidimensional models for the two other versions. That is, even though they are measuring the same construct, wording the items in mixed ways (positive and negative), can change the factor structure of the scale. Positively worded items are more intercorrelated with each other than they are with negatively worded items. Negatively worded items are more intercorrelated with each other than they are with positively worded items. Why would this happen? Read the 4th, 5th, and 6th paragraphs.

Paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 all-together: Various studies aimed at assessing the method effect on the factor structure of the RSES, utilizing both CTCU and CTCM models, have indicated that the unifactorial structure controlling for the method effect of the wording of the negative items presents the best fit to the date than a bifactorial structure or unifactorial structure without that control (DiStefano & Mottl, 2009; Lindwall et al., 2012; Marsh et al., 2010; Michaelides et al., 2016; DiStefano & Motl, 2009; Toms, Oliver, Galiana, Sancho & Lila, 2013; Urbn et al., 2014; Wu, Zuo, Wen & Yan, 2017). On the other hand, some studies have also indicated that the models that control for both the method effects associated with negatively and positively worded items fit the data well (Lindwall et al., 2012; Wu, 2008). According to some researchers, the method effect related to the wording of items can vary in function of the population or be more preponderant in certain groups than in others, such as between men and women (DiStefano & Motl, 2009; Toms et al., 2013). Differences between men and women have been observed in relation to global self-esteem, with men generally presenting higher levels (Bleidorn et al., 2016; Toms et al., 2013). According to DiStefano and Motl (2006), the differences in average RSES scores between men and women might be associated with the different responses to negatively worded items. In other words, people of different gender can provide stronger or weaker responses to negatively worded items, hence causing differences in the average self-esteem scores. Studies examining the method effect associated with both negative and positive items (DiStefano & Motl, 2009; Lindwall et al., 2012) have not observed differences in the adjustment of the models to the data when testing the invariance in relation to gender, although they have observed differences in the average raw scores of men and women. On the other hand, Michaelides et al. (2016), when testing the gender invariance in a model controlling for the method effect of positive and negative items, observed configurational and metric invariance but not scalar invariance, making it impossible to compare the latent means. In short, there is no consensus regarding the factor structure of the RSES, with studies adopting an exploratory approach indicating a two-factor structure, while others that have controlled for the wording effect of items have indicated a single-factor structure is most suitable. The studies of the RSES conducted in Brazil have not considered the method effect associated with the negative and positive items when testing the factor structure. Therefore, this study sought to gather evidence about the factor structure of the RSES in Brazil by testing the fit of bifactorial and unifactorial structures, and of unifactorial solutions while controlling for the method effect associated with the items through the CTCU and CTCM strategies. We also evaluated whether the factor structure of the RSES is invariant between men and women.

My professor has been terrible with teaching us this subject (psychometrics) this whole semester so any help would be greatly appreciated!!