Development and psychometric testing of the Leddy Healthiness Scale

The study was designed to develop and determine the psychometric properties of the Leddy Healthiness Scale (LHS). Healthiness is defined as having perceived purpose and the power to achieve goals. In three stages, using three overlapping samples, internal consistency reliability ranged from .89 to .93. Test-retest reliability was .86 at 2-6 weeks. Principal components factor analysis revealed three components which explained 51.2% of the instrument variance. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations between the LHS and the Sense of Coherence Scale (r = .72), a one-term measure of overall well-being (r = .62), the Perceived Well-Being Scale (r = .74), the Power As Knowing Participation in Change Test (r = .63), and the Personal Meaning Index (r = .62). Divergent validity was supported by a moderate negative correlation between the LHS and the Fatigue Experience Scale (r = -.41). It was concluded that the LHS has demonstrated initial reliability and validity. Further testing is recommended.