The mean of the total PLSS in the mental health sample was 9.7 ( SD56.8), and was higher than all means of
sample 1, 2, and 3 indicating that the mental health sample was more dissatisfied. In sample 1, and in the mental
health sample, the older students were more likely to report higher dissatisfaction than the younger students
(both rs5.33). In the mental health sample, girls scored more highly ( M512.8, SD58.2) than boys ( M58.4,
SD55.7).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
Huebner and Dew (1993a) reported a Cronbach alpha coefficient of α5.89 for the total scale in a sample of
222 students in grades 8 to 12 (mean age of 15.5 years, SD51.5).
Test/C0Retest
Adelman et al. (1989) reported a test /C0retest correlation of rtt5.85, without specifying the time interval.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
The PLSS correlated positively ( r5.58) with the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) ( Dew & Huebner, 1994 ).
Adelman et al. (1989) reported that the PLSS correlated positively with depression levels ( Children’s Depression
Inventory ;Adelman et al., 1989 ) in the mental health sample ( r5.55). Hence, students who reported higher dissat-
isfaction reported more symptoms of depression. Huebner and Dew (1993a) reported that more satisfied students
reported a higher general self-concept ( r5.48; assessed with SDQ-II; Marsh, 1988 ). PLSS scores correlated with
parent-rated life satisfaction, showing a coefficient of r5.42 (Huebner & Dew, 1993a ).Smith, Adelman, Nelson,
Taylor, and Phares (1987) showed that the PLSS is positively correlated ( r5.60) with control satisfaction
(assessed with a single item; cf. Smith et al., 1987 ), but less so ( r5.35) with happiness (assessed with a single
item; cf. Smith et al., 1987 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
The PLSS demonstrated a small inverse correlation of r52.29 with perceived control at school ( Perceived
Control at School Scale ;Adelman et al., 1989 ).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Huebner and Dew (1993b) conducted a principal components analysis with a promax oblique rotation on the
sample of 222 students resulting in a four-component solution showing that the PLSS provides multidimensional
assessment of life satisfaction.
Criterion/Predictive
For psychologically disturbed children, PLSS scores correlated positively ( r5.55) with a child depression measure,
and negatively ( r52.54) with expectations of improvement both at school and at home ( Bender, 1997 ).
Location
Adelman, H. S., Taylor, L., & Nelson, P. (1989). Minor’s dissatisfaction with their life circumstances. Child
Psychiatry and Human Development ,20, 135/C0147.
Results and Comments
Research on the PLSS has provided preliminary information on its reliability and validity as a measure of dis-
satisfaction/satisfaction in children and adolescents (aged 8 to 18 years) studying psychosocial problems in the
general population and individuals with mental health problems. The PLSS is a promising measure. It was
designed to assess general life satisfaction by evaluating satisfaction across a variety of life experiences.
Nevertheless, although there is evidence for the usefulness of the total score, some research suggests that the
PLSS is multidimensional in nature ( Huebner & Dew, 1993b ). Additional research is needed to clarify its psycho-
metric properties, especially its dimensionality and test /C0retest reliability.123 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS