The construct validity of subjective well-being measures: An assessment via quantitative research syntheses

Abstract

The construct validity of subjective well-being was assessed by quantitative research syntheses of U.S. studies of the correlates of subjective well-being appearing before 1980. The classes of evidence examined in this article include reports of reliability, estimates of correlation between different measures of subjective well-being, and estimates of correlation between measures of subjective well-being and measures of other constructs (adjustment, neuroticism, and work and family satisfaction). Generally, measures of subjective well-being showed adequate reliability (M = .80). Measures of subjective well-being were moderately associated with adjustment (M = .38), neuroticism (M = − .33), and work (M = .33) and family (M = .29) satisfaction. Although measures of subjective well-being were substantially interrelated (M = .52), validity coefficients based on two different subjective well-being measures purported to tap the construct of happiness (M = .45) were slightly lower than validity coefficients based on subjective well-being measures purported to tap the constructs of happiness and life satisfaction (M = .49). In selecting measures of subjective well-being, community psychologists are urged to consider their theoretical framework and traditional psychometric criteria.