Single-Item Happiness Measure Features Adequate Validity Among Adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundHappiness is becoming increasingly relevant in recent research, including adolescents. Many studies are using the single-item measure for adolescent happiness, however, its validity is not well known. We aimed to examine the validity of this measure among adolescents in three countries from distinct European regions – Eastern (Lithuania), Southern (Portugal), and Western (Scotland).Materials and MethodsThe analysis included data from Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from three countries and three last surveys (2009/10, 2013/14, and 2017/18). The total sample comprised 47,439 schoolchildren. For validity, the indicators reflecting subjective health, life satisfaction, quality of life, well-being, social support, health complaints, bullying, and self-directed violence were assessed. The calculations were conducted in the total sample and by gender, age, survey year, and country.ResultsThe different indicators of concurrent and convergent validity revealed consistent correlations with happiness, with better well-being, health, and subjective perceptions being related to higher happiness. Meanwhile, health complaints, bullying behaviors, and self-directed violence were related to lower happiness. The subgroup differences were consistent across gender, age groups, countries, and survey rounds. The extent of differences was more expressed among girls.ConclusionThe single item for adolescent happiness measurement features a consistent pattern of validity concerning indicators of concurrent and convergent validity. Higher self-reported happiness is associated with better mental and physical health and well-being, and less expressed negative factors (complaints, bullying, and self-directed violence). In addition, among girls the correlations tend to be stronger than boys.

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“…In particular, the single-item demonstrated good concurrent validity with measures of happiness and life satisfaction, convergent validity with optimism and positive affect, and divergent validity with measures of anxiety and negative affect. Lukoševičiūtė et al [ 39 ] also found adequate support for the use of a single-item happiness measure among adolescents across three European regions. The 2020 GYC originally wrote their own happiness item, and the University partners brought in this single-item question as a possible alternative.…”

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“…It can be described as a warm, positive, and joyful feeling that often arises in response to positive life events such as success, love, or personal growth [32]. Happiness can also be experienced as a more general sense of well-being and satisfaction with life [33]. The feeling of happiness differs from one person to another even though they are in the same situation [34].…”