Are Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem Distinct Constructs? A Black South African Perspective

• Published in: Psychological reports Vol. 97; no. 2; pp. 567 - 575
• Main Authors: Westaway, Margaret S., Maluka, Constance S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-10-2005
• Subjects: Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude - ethnology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Self Concept; South Africa; Surveys and Questionnaires; South Africa
• ISSN: 0033-2941; 1558-691X
• DOI: 10.2466/pr0.97.2.567-575

As part of a longitudinal project on Quality of Life, a study was undertaken to extend the applicability of the 5-item Satisfaction With Life Scale, developed in the USA, in South Africa. Data on basic sociodemographic characteristics, the scale, and the 10-item Rosenberg Self-esteem scale were available for 360 Black South Africans (151 men and 209 women), ages 21 to 83 years (M = 38.6 yr., SD = 10.3). Factor analysis applied to scale scores gave two factors, accounting for 71% of the variance. Factor I was loaded by 10 Self-esteem items and Factor II by four of the five Life Satisfaction items. Coefficient alpha was .77 for the Satisfaction With Life Scale and .97 for the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Life Satisfaction was related to Self-esteem (r = 17, p<.01). It was concluded that Life Satisfaction and Self-esteem appear to be distinct, unitary constructs, but responses to Item 5 on the Satisfaction With Life Scale require cautious interpretation and may contribute to the weak r, although so may the collectivist culture of Black South Africans.