The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), in the adult population from ages 18 to 65. In order to do this two studies were conducted. In the first one, we evaluated the internal consistency and construct validation of data from 330 people between 18 and 52 years of age; in the second study, we evaluated the confirmatory factor and validation of data indicators from 1157 people between 18 and 65 years of age. The results show suitable indicators of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis finds a one factor’s solution. The correlation between the SWLS, the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), display significant, consistent correlations in the expected direction. We conclude that the SWLS is a reliable and valid instrument to use for evaluating the cognitive sphere of subjective well-being in Chile’s adult population.

No abstract

ResumenEl objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de Felicidad Subjetiva (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999). El objetivo del primer estudio, en que participaron 300 personas de población general, fue estimar confi abilidad (consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal) y validez de constructo de la escala. El segundo estudio, donde participaron 779 personas, tuvo por objetivo obtener indicadores defi nitivos de confi abilidad y validez en muestras con rangos etarios diversos. Además, evaluó validez convergente y divergente con los instrumentos: Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI), Cuestionario de los Cinco Grandes (BFI), y Cuestionario de Optimismo Disposicional (LOT-R). Los principales resultados del primer estudio muestran un alfa de .78 y estabilidad temporal de .61 (8 semanas de diferencias) y una estructura factorialmente pura. Para el segundo estudio la estimación de la confi abilidad estuvo entre .73 y .87 en las diversas muestra estudiadas; se encontró una estructura factorialmente pura; las correlaciones entre la escala de felicidad subjetiva y los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar validez convergente y divergente fueron adecuadas y altamente signifi cativas en la línea de lo esperado teóricamente. La evidencia indica adecuación de la escala para su utilización en la evaluación de este constructo en población chilena.Palabras clave: Psicología positiva, felicidad, análisis psicométrico. AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the subjective happiness scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999). The objective of the fi rst study involving 300 people from the general population was the estimated reliability (internal consistency and temporal stability) and construct validity of the scale. The second study involved 779 people, its purpose was to obtain defi nitive indicators of reliability and validity in samples with diverse age range. In addition, convergent and divergent validity was evaluated with instruments: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Big Five Questionnaire (BFI), and Dispositional Optimism Questionnaire (LOT-R). The main results of study showed an alpha of .78 and temporal stability of 61 (8 weeks apart) and a pure factorial structure. For the second study, the reliability estimation was between .73 and .87 according to the many samples studied, was found a pure factorial structure, the correlations between subjective happiness scale and instruments used to assess convergent and divergent validity were adequate, highly signifi cant and in line with theoretical expectations. The evidence indicates adequacy of the scale for use in the assessment of this construct in the Chilean population.

ResumenEl optimismo ha mostrado numerosos beneficios físicos y emocionales en diversas poblaciones y contextos profesionales. Sin embargo, los instrumentos para evaluarlo son escasos y presentan importantes limitaciones, especialmente en población joven. En el presente trabajo se presenta un cuestionario que, mediante 9 ítems, evalúa el optimismo disposicional y se analiza su relación con la personalidad e inteligencia emocional. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 2.693 jóvenes españoles (M=16.52, DT=1.38), de los cuales el 51.10% fueron hombres. La inteligencia emocional se evaluó con el cuestionario Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24, mientras que los cinco grandes rasgos de personalidad se midieron mediante la escala Overall Personality Assessment Scale. El cuestionario de optimismo muestra una fiabilidad elevada (α=.84), siendo preciso para un amplio rango de habilidad (θ entre -3 y +2), así como un ajuste aceptable a una estructura unidimensional. Se confirma la elevada relación entre el optimismo y los rasgos de personalidad e inteligencia emocional. Palabras clave: evaluación, optimismo, personalidad, inteligencia emocional. AbstractOptimism has been shown to have numerous physical and emotional benefits in a range of populations and professional contexts. Nonetheless, there are few instruments for its evaluation and they have significant limitations, especially in young people. This work presents a questionnaire which, through 9 items, evaluates dispositional optimism and analyses its relationship to personality and emotional intelligence. The sample was made up of 2,963 Spanish adolescents of whom 51.10% were male. Emotional intelligence was measured using the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24, while the big-five personality traits were measured using the Overall Personality Assessment Scale. The optimism questionnaire demonstrated high reliability (α=.84), it was accurate over a wide ability range (θ from -3 to +2) and gave an acceptable fit to a unidimensional structure. The clear relationship between optimism, personality traits and emotional intelligence was confirmed.

Evaluation of the SF-12. Usefulness of the mental health scale (Rev Med Chile 2014; 142: 1275-1283