The construct validity of Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-being and its extension with spiritual well-being

This study examined the factorial and content validity of Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-being (SPWB) in a sample of psychology students (N=233) and a sample of professionals from a diverse occupational background (N=420). The psychometric quality of the SPWB was tested for the versions with 3-items, 9-items and 14-items. It appeared that the factorial validity was only acceptable for the 3-items per scale version. However, the internal consistency of these 3-items scales was below generally accepted levels. Therefore, it is suggested to reduce the length of the 14-item scales to 6, 7 or 8 items, depending on the specific subscale. This resulted in an improved overall psychometric quality. In addition, two new scales were developed that together refer to spiritual well-being. A second order factor analysis, including vitality, happiness, self-esteem and the Big Five personality dimensions, revealed four underlying dimensions of positive psychological health: subjective well-being, self-actualization, interpersonal relations and autonomy. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.