Unidimensional analysis of the nursing diagnoses of situational low self-esteem and chronic low self-esteem

Purpose: To analyze the unidimensionality of the nursing diagnoses low situational self-esteem and low chronic self-esteem proposed by NANDA-I.

Desing and methods: Diagnostic accuracy study carried out with 180 patients with depressed mood in a psychiatric hospital in northeastern Brazil.

Findings: The analysis of the latent class considered the hypothesis of low self-esteem as a unique construct and included the indicators: Excessive seeking of reassurance, repeatedly unsuccessfulness in life events, rejection of positive feedback, insomnia, solitude, and nonassertive behavior.

Practice implications: The recognition of low self-esteem as a unique diagnostic construct allows nurses to be more assertive in the provision of care.