Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale (TSLS): A study on elderly attending to university programs

Abstract

Several measures have been developed for the operalization of well-being, standing out the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). To cope with some of its problems the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale (TSLS) was developed. The aim of this study is to present and validate the Spanish version of the TSLS, in a sample elderly attending to University programs. The sample was composed of 737 elderly. Together with the TSLS, an indicator of general life satisfaction and the SF-8 Health Scale were used. Analyses included the study of factorial validity, estimations of reliability and external validity. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis were adequate: χ2(87)=454.593 (p<.001), CFI=.973; RMSEA=.085, showing appropriate fit for the three-dimension model posed. Internal consistency of the three dimensions was high: alpha values of .83 for past, .81 for present, and .86 for future life satisfaction. Additionally, results of external validity were as expected. The TSLS addresses the temporal axis in the measurement of life satisfaction, with psychometric guarantees. Its utilities are explained in the discussion.