Validation of a general subjective well-being factor using Classical Test Theory.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Subjective Well-Being (SWB) traditionally includes affective and cognitive components.
• Harmony in life is proposed as a social component, representing balance between individuals and their environment.
• A biopsychosocial model of SWB integrates emotional, cognitive, and social well-being aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the contribution of general and specific factors to a biopsychosocial model of SWB.
• To determine if harmony in life functions as a distinct social component of SWB.
• To validate a multidimensional model of SWB using factor analysis.

Main Methods:

• 527 participants completed the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Harmony in life Scale (HILS).
• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to test the proposed biopsychosocial model of SWB.
• A bifactor model was utilized to assess the general factor (SWBS) and specific sub-factors.

Main Results:

• The bifactor model demonstrated the best fit, indicating a significant general factor (SWBS).
• The general SWBS factor explained 64% of the total variance in SWB.
• Affective and cognitive components contributed to both specific factors and the general SWBS factor, while harmony in life primarily contributed to the general factor (98%).

Conclusions:

• SWB is best conceptualized as a general factor within a multidimensional biopsychosocial framework.
• The social component (harmony in life) significantly contributes to the general SWB factor.
• The findings support a comprehensive biopsychosocial model of SWB, emphasizing the integration of diverse well-being aspects.