Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
The SWLS exhibited positive correlations with several measures of subjective well-being ( Diener et al., 1985 ).
For example, the SWLS correlated with the Fordyce (1978) single item measure of happiness ( r5.57 to r5.58),
the Fordyce percent of time happy question ( r5.58 to r5.62), Bradburn’s (1969) measures of positive affect
(r5.50 to r5.51), and Andrews and Withey’s (1976) Delighted /C0Terrible scale ( r5.62 to r5.68) (sample 1
and 2). In the elderly sample, the SWLS correlated with the Life Satisfaction Index ( Adams, 1969 ) with a moder-
ate coefficient of .46 (sample 3; Diener et al., 1985 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
The SWLS exhibited negative correlations with Bradburn’s (1969) measure of negative affect ( r52.32 to
r52.37). The SWLS also exhibited a non-significant relationship ( r5.02) with the Marlowe /C0Crown scale
(Crowne & Marlowe, 1964 ), suggesting that SWLS scores are unrelated to a socially desirability response style
(sample 2; Diener et al., 1985 ).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Factorial validity was estimated via a principal axis factor analysis of the item intercorrelations in sample 1
(N5176). A Cattell scree plot of eigenvalues ( Cattell, 1978 ) suggested that the five items of the SWLS formed a
single factor ( Diener et al., 1985 ).
Criterion/Predictive
Evidence of predictive validity is presented in Pavot, Diener, Colvin, and Sandvik (1991) .
Location
Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of
Personality Assessment ,49,7 1/C075.
Results and Comments
Substantial research evidence supports the reliability and validity of the SWLS as a measure of adults’ global
life satisfaction. This widely used and brief assessment tool can be integrated in large-scale assessments, but also
in all other kinds of studies where a measure of domain-free life satisfaction is of interest. The SWLS has been
adapted into several languages (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Russian, Setswana). Furthermore, the SWLS
inspired the development of further multi-item measures of life satisfaction, some of which are presented in
this chapter.
The SWLS appears to be a useful measure of global life satisfaction within a broad age range (e.g., undergradu-
ates, middle-aged adults, and elderly individuals). Recently, a version for children has been developed (SWLS-C;
Gadermann, Schonert-Reichl, & Zumbo 2010 ) based on the SWLS. The five items and the response format have
been adapted for children in grades 4 to 7. Research on the SWLS-C suggests that it is a promising measure of
children’s global life satisfaction, but additional research would be beneficial ( Gadermann et al., 2010 ).
SATISFACTION WITH LIFE SCALE
Below are five statements that you may agree or dis-
agree with. Using the 1 /C07 scale below, indicate your
agreement with each item by placing the appropriate
number on the line preceding that item. Please be open
and honest in your responding.
1/C0Strongly disagree; 2 /C0Disagree; 3 /C0Slightly dis-
agree; 4 /C0Neither agree nor disagree; 5 /C0Slightly agree;
6/C0Agree; 7 /C0Strongly agree
1.In most ways my life is close to my ideal.2.The conditions of my life are excellent.
3.I am satisfied with my life.
4.So far I have gotten the important things I want
in life.
5.If I could live my life over, I would change almost
nothing.
Notes :S o u r c e : http://internal.psychology.illinois.edu/
Bediener/SWLS.html (Retrieved May 9, 2014).
Reproduced with permission.105 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS