Life Satisfaction
Title
The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)
Study
PMBC
Copyright Information
Available in the public domain. A copy of the scale can be accessed from the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center webpage
Primary Reference
Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larson, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49, 71-75.
Purpose
To measure global life satisfaction.
Type of Measure
Established
Description
Participants rate how much they agree with self-descriptive statements about their satisfaction with life. No time frame or referent period is used.
Scaling
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Slightly Disagree, 4 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 5 = Slightly Agree, 6 = Agree, 7 = Strongly Agree
Number of Items
5
Sample Items
- In most ways, my life is close to my ideal
- I am satisfied with my life
Psychometrics
Reliability in PMBC: alpha=0.83
Scoring
Reverse Items: 5
Sum Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5R
Variables
Total Satisfaction with Life Score