The Subjective Well-Being Construct: A Test of Its Convergent, Discriminate, and Factorial Validity

• Published in: Social indicators research Vol. 74; no. 3; pp. 445 - 476
• Main Authors: Arthaud-Day, Marne L, Rode, Joseph C, Mooney, Christine H, Near, Janet P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-12-2005
• Subjects: Construct validity; Happiness; Life satisfaction; Negative affect; Positive affect; Subjective wellbeing
• ISSN: 0303-8300
• DOI: 10.1007/s11205-004-8209-6

Using structural equation modeling, we found empirical support for the prevailing theory that subjective well-being consists of three domains: (1) cognitive evaluations of one's life (i.e., life satisfaction or happiness); (2) positive affect; & (3) negative affect. Multiple indicators of satisfaction/happiness were shown to have strong convergent validity as well as discriminant validity from positive & negative affect. Positive & negative affect likewise exhibited discriminant validity from one another. At both the item & scale levels of analysis, we obtained an intercorrelated three-factor solution corresponding to the three proposed subjective well-being domains. 10 Tables, 60 References. Adapted from the source document.