Validation of the Satisfaction with Life Scale in Japan: A Large Sample Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a globally recognized measure of subjective well-being.
• Assessing the psychometric properties of translated instruments is crucial for cross-cultural research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the SWLS.
• To confirm measurement invariance across demographic groups in Japan.

Main Methods:

• Utilized four large-scale Japanese samples (N=14,913; ages 18-79).
• Conducted factor analysis, measurement invariance testing, and reliability analyses (internal consistency, test-retest).
• Examined correlations with related psychological constructs (e.g., neuroticism, self-esteem).

Main Results:

• The Japanese SWLS demonstrated a robust single-factor structure with a mean score of 17.52.
• Achieved full strict measurement invariance across gender, age, and region.
• Exhibited high internal consistency (α ≥ .90) and excellent test-retest reliability (r ≥ .80).
• Correlations supported convergent and discriminant validity with other psychological measures.

Conclusions:

• The Japanese SWLS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing life satisfaction in Japanese populations.
• Findings support the use of the SWLS in diverse Japanese demographic groups and encourage further research on life satisfaction in Japan.