Study Diener et al. (1995b): study US 1993

Public

College students, USA 199?

Sample

Respondents

N = 146

Non Response

Assessment

Questionnaire: Paper & Pencil Interview (PAPI)
Photographs and video

Correlate

Authors's Label

Satisfaction with Life (SWLS)

Our Classification

Remarks

The satisfaction with life scale is not considered a valid measure of happiness. Because a positive answer to the E question does not necessarily mean that the respondent doesn't like the life he/she actually lives.

Operationalization

Selfreport on four questions:

Using the 1-5 scale below, indicate your agreement with each of the items by placing the appropriate number on the line preceding that item. Please be open and honest in your responding.
A  In most ways my life is close to ideal
B  The conditions of my life are excellent
C  I am satisfied with my life
D  So far, I have gotten the important things I want in life
E  If I could live my life over, I would change nothing

Answers rated:
5 strongly agree
4 slightly agree
3  neither agree nor disagree
2  slightly disagree
1  strongly disagree

Computation: A+B+C+D+E divided by 5

Observed Relation with Happiness