Validation of the Persian version of the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) in Iranian women with breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major public health issue capable of harming personal satisfaction. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is one of the most commonly employed tools with which life satisfaction could be measured. The present study aims to assess the Persian version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) among Iranian women with breast cancer. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 115 women coping with breast cancer in Iran were selected through a convenience sampling method. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Persian version of the SWLS, and the DASS-21. The psychometric properties of the SWLS were examined as construct validity based on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and divergent validity by examining the relationship with the DASS-21. Results of the CFA indicated that a single-factor model provides a good fit to the data: (sbX2 = 4.40 (p = 0.36); SRMR = 0.019; CFI = 0.99; NFI = .99; IFI = 1.0; RFI = .97; AGFI = 0.94; GFI = 0.99; RMSEA = .029). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the SWLS was 0.84. Significant negative correlations were found between SWLS and DASS-21 scores for anxiety (r = −0.58), depression (r = −0.61), and stress (r = −0.59) that demonstrated an acceptable divergent validity. As findings, this scale can be used to respect Iranian women with breast cancer as a reliable measurement tool for satisfaction with life. It could thus be recommended more extensively as an indicator of satisfaction with life in other oncological patients.