<p>Neuroticism, self-esteem, and generalized self-efficacy are conceptually closely related constructs. This study investigates whether the common core of the three constructs goes back to a conceptual overlap and/or to a hierarchical ordering of the constructs. We tested a confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) model, an exploratory structural equation model (ESEM), a bifactor-CFA model, and an bifactor-ESEM model using a sample of German secondary school students at two measurement waves (t1: <i>N</i> = 1573; t2: <i>N</i> = 1210). At both waves, the bifactor-ESEM model emerged to be the best fitting model and showed a well-defined G-factor and well-defined S-factors. The bifactor-ESEM model displayed invariant factor loadings, item thresholds, and item residuals across t1 and t2. At t1 and t2, the G-factor of the bifactor-ESEM model displayed positive and statistically significant relations to general life satisfaction and school satisfaction; the S-factors showed inconsistent relations to these two outcome variables. Neuroticism, self-esteem, and generalized self-efficacy thus seem to be conceptually related as well as hierarchically ordered constructs. The bifactor-ESEM model can reconcile the two opposing views according to which neuroticism, self-esteem, and generalized self-efficacy are distinct versus similar constructs.</p>