The nature and assessment of general well-being

Data on self-reported symptoms of ill-health were collected from 1500 respondents, and factor analysed. The results of this analysis suggested a two factor orthogonal model of well-being: one factor reflecting fatigue, emotional fragility and confusion (worn-out) and the other tension, anxiety and agitation (up-tight). The reliability and validity of the model were tested and appeared acceptable, and scales were constructed for the assessment of the two factors. It is suggested that the model and the associated scales could offer new information in studies of occupational stress and health.