For organizational purposes, the measures were divided into two groups. The first group includes measures
constructed for adults while the second group includes measures constructed for children (primarily for ages
8/C018 years).
MEASURES REVIEWED HERE
Measures of Life Satisfaction for Adults
1.Satisfaction with Life Scale ( Diener et al., 1985 )
2.Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale ( Pavot, Diener, & Suh. 1998 )
3.Quality of Life Index ( Ferrans & Powers, 1985, 1992 )
4.Personal Wellbeing Index ( Cummins, Eckersley, Pallant, Van Vugt, & Misajon 2003; International Wellbeing
Group, 2013 )
5.Extended Satisfaction with Life Scale ( Alfonso et al., 1996 )
6.Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire ( Endicott, Nee, Harrison, & Blumenthal 1993;
Ritsner, Kurs, Gibel, Ratner & Endicott 2005 )
7.Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age ( Barrett & Murk, 2006 )
Measures of Life Satisfaction for Youth
1.Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale ( Huebner, 1991b )
2.Perceived Life Satisfaction Scale ( Adelman et al., 1989 )
3.Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale ( Huebner, 1994 )
OVER VIEW OF THE MEASURES
The measures selected here for review represent different models (i.e., bottom up vs. top down, unidimen-
sional vs. multidimensional) of assessment of life satisfaction and perceived quality of life. The first seven mea-
sures were predominantly developed for adults and seniors, whereas the last three are assessment tools of life
satisfaction of young people (aged 8 years and above).
We start with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985 ) as a measure of global life satisfaction. This
brief scale consists of five items yielding a total score representing satisfaction with life as a whole. Next, the
Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale (Pavot et al., 1998 ), which also follows the top down strategy, added a new
perspective to the assessment of global life satisfaction by measuring three temporal dimensions of life satisfac-
tion (i.e., past, present, and future life satisfaction). This measure consists of 15 items yielding a total life satisfac-
tion score, and three subscale scores (one for each temporal dimension). The Quality of Life Index (Ferrans &
Powers, 1985, 1992 ) assesses quality of life focusing on an individual’s judgments of satisfaction with and impor-
tance of different life domains (e.g., physical health and functioning). The measure consists of 32 items that are
rated with respect to the extent of satisfaction and importance. Subscale scores (multidimensional model) as well
as a total scale score (bottom up strategy) can be obtained. The Personal Wellbeing Index (e.g., International
Wellbeing Group, 2013 ) assesses adults’ quality of life utilizing one item that asks for satisfaction with life as a
whole, and additional eight domain-specific items (e.g., for satisfaction with standard of living). The domain-
specific items can be used individually (multidimensional model), or can be summarized to a total score (bottom
up) of quality of life. With the Extended Satisfaction with Life Scale (Alfonso et al., 1996 ), we review a measure
focusing on an individual’s satisfaction in life with respect to eight life domains (e.g., social life). The 50 items
yield one total life satisfaction score, and eight domain-specific subscale scores. As another example following a
multidimensional model, the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (e.g., Endicott et al., 1993 )
assesses health-related quality of life. Sixty items form the basic measure, which includes five subscales (e.g.,
physical health). Furthermore, a General QOL Index can be obtained. As the last measure in the group of assess-
ments in adulthood, we review the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age (Barrett & Murk, 2006 ) assessing life sat-
isfaction of people in their ‘third age’ (i.e., seniors). This measure comprises 35 items assessing five different
subscales (e.g., zest vs. apathy). A total life satisfaction score can also be computed. This measure is a multidi-
mensional one that utilizes the bottom up strategy to assess satisfaction with life.103 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS