Uncovering Heterogeneity in the Measurement of Psychological Well‐Being in Non‐Western Culture: A Latent Profile Analysis of Ghanaian Undergraduates

Abstract

PURPOSE: Psychological well-being among university students is often examined using variable-centered approaches that assume population homogeneity. Using Ryff's eudaimonic model and a person-centered analytic framework, this study examined latent profiles of psychological well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates, offering insight into how the Western-derived model functions in a non-Western cultural context. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed to sample 574 regular undergraduate students from a public university in Ghana. Students completed the 18-item Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) followed by Chi-square tests were performed using JAMOVI statistical software. FINDINGS: Four distinct profiles emerged: fully flourishing students (38.7%), harmonious life seekers (45.1%), purposeful self-actualizers (7.5%), and aspiring actualizers (8.7%). The profiles differed primarily in levels of autonomy, personal growth, and environmental mastery. Well-being profile membership was not associated with gender but varied significantly by age, although the effect size was small. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest meaningful heterogeneity in eudaimonic well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates and highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, profile-based mental health interventions beyond demographic assumptions.