Recent attempts to measure the quality of life or subjective well-being show promise for a more helpful and accurate appraisal of the collective and individual state of people than objective, economically-oriented indicators have allowed. Unfortunately, the quality of life movement has virtually ignored the religious dimension of life and the part that such beliefs and practices play in well-being. In response to this void, Paloutzian and Ellison (1982) have developed a Spiritual Well-Being Scale which measures both religious and existential well-being. This article reports on the conceptualization of the spiritual well-being dimension, development of the scale, research which has utilized the scale, and suggests directions for future research.

As part of the growing interest in quality of life and subjective well-being, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale was constructed to measure the spiritual dimension. Research has shown good reliability for the scale and has provided encouraging support for its validity. It indicates well-being in a variety of spheres, including physical and mental health, psychological adjustment, and assertiveness. However, no norms have been published and little descriptive data have been readily available for the scale. Test-retest and internal consistency reliability coefficients and descriptive data are presented for several religious, student, and client groups. In evangelical samples the typical individual gets the maximum score; thus, the scale is not useful in distinguishing among individuals for purposes such as selection of spiritual leaders. The scale is currently useful for research and as a global index of lack of well-being.

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Psychological and theological concepts of the integrative nature of healthy human personality are examined, with particular emphasis on the biblical relationships between integrated personality and shalom, or well-being. The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) is suggested as a general indicator of personality integration and resultant well-being. A summary of reported research that has utilized the SWBS from 1982–1990 is presented and related to physical, psychological, relational, and religious well-being. Suggestions are made for additional research and application of the SWBS.

An empirical investigation of the psychological difficulties experienced by Christian leaders was conducted by means of a needs survey. Results indicated that subjects considered their difficulties as relatively minor, although stress, frustration, lack of time, and feelings of inadequacy were reported as their most pressing experiences. Personal unrealistic expectations were identified as a major causal factor for these difficulties. In addition, these leaders revealed significant discrepancies between their actual and ideal ministry emphases.