The construction of a general factor of subjective well-being based on five self-rating scales among Arab participants

Abstract

Purpose Many questionnaires have been developed to assess subjective well-being (SWB). The vast majority of these assessment tools consisted of many items. The purpose of this study was to develop a short battery of five self-rating scales using only five statements to assess SWB: happiness, life satisfaction, mental health, physical health and religiosity. Design/methodology/approach A sample of Alexandria University students took part in this study (n = 11,468). They responded to the five self-rating scales. Findings The test–retest reliabilities of the self-rating scales ranged from 0.76 to 0.87, and the criterion-related validities ranged between 0.57 and 0.78, indicating acceptable to good coefficients. These rating scales had good convergent and factorial validity in two studies against the Oxford Happiness Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Love of Life Scale, the Arabic Scale of Mental Health and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem. Furthermore, the rating scales had good divergent and factorial validity against neuroticism. Using five samples, a principal components analysis extracted a single and high loaded factor, which was labeled “SWB.” Research limitations/implications This study used non-probability sample from one university. Originality/value The five self-rating scales are useful in positive psychology research when the available time for testing is short, as well as in epidemiological studies.