This study compared self-esteem between American and Chinese children. A sample of 446 American children and a sample of 437 Chinese (Taiwanese) children were administered the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, Form B. The Self-Esteem Rating Scale for Children was also given to the teachers of these children. American children obtained higher self-esteem scores than did their Chinese counterparts on both selfesteem measures. Cross-cultural comparisons of environmental factors contributing to the development of self-esteem are made to explain this difference in self-esteem.