The Unity of Well-Being: An Inquiry into the Structure of Subjective Well-Being Using the Bifactor Model

Abstract In homage to the life and work of Ed Diener (1946–2021), present study assessed dimensions tripartite model (positive affect, negative satisfaction) two additional (domain satisfaction happiness) investigate structure subjective well-being using exploratory factor analysis bifactor model. Specifically, we tested whether these five belong an essentially unidimensional construct. Towards this goal, used a large, previously collected dataset closely matched U.S. census ( N = 2,000, ages 18–65+ ; 52.4% female; 66.3% White; 14.9% Hispanic; 12% Black) selected 24 items representing dimensions. Our results showed that all were internally consistent highly correlated. Exploratory analyses revealed there underlying factors best characterizing data. When fit model, strong general emerged. Additionally, scores reliable according conventional reliability standards. A confirmatory also supported well-being. Overall, our findings suggest from reflect one construct, which can be combined into single score. Domain happiness both in same way original three satisfaction, positive affect do.