This study provided additional information related to the psychometric properties of the Perceived Life Satisfaction Scale (PLSS: Adelman et al., 1989). With a sample of 222 secondary level students, an internal consistency estimate of 0.89 was obtained. The pattern of correlations between the PLSS and selected demographic variables and measures of self-concept and locus of control yielded support for construct validity. Additionally, the correlation between PLSS scores and independent parent estimates of their child's overall life satisfaction provided evidence of cross-method convergent validity. Suggestions for additional life satisfaction research, within an international context, are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Adelman, H.S. , Taylor, L. and Nelson, P. (1989) 'Minors' Dissatisfaction with Their Life Circumstances', Child Psychiatry and Human Development20: 135-147.
2.
Diener, E. (1984) 'Subjective Well-being', Psychological Bulletin95: 542-575.
3.
Diener, E. , Emmons, R.A., Larsen, R.J. and Griffin, S. (1985) 'The Satisfaction with Life Scale', Journal of Personality Assessment49: 71-75.
4.
Huebner, E.S. (1991a) 'Correlates of Life Satisfaction in Children', School Psychology Quarterly6: 103-111.
5.
Huebner, E.S. (1991b) 'Initial Development of the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale', School Psychology International12: 231-240.
6.
Kamman, R. and Flett, R. (1983) 'Affectometer 2: A Scale to Measure Current Level of General Happiness', Australian Journal of Psychology35: 259-265.
7.
Larsen, R.J. , Diener, E. and Emmons, R.A. (1985) 'An Evaluation of Subjective Well-being Measures', Social Indicators Research17: 1-18.
8.
Marsh, H.W. (1988) The Self-Description Questionnaire-II. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.
9.
Nowicki, S. and Strickland, B. (1973) 'A Locus of Control Scale for Children', Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology40: 148-154.
10.
Pavot, W. , Diener, E., Colvin, R.C. and Sandvik, E. (1991) 'Further Validation of the Satisfaction With Life Scale: Evidence for Cross-method Convergence of Well-being Measures', Journal of Personality Assessment57: 149-161.
11.
Schuessler, K.F. and Fisher, G.A. (1985) 'Quality of Life Research and Sociology', Annual Review of Sociology11: 129-149.
12.
Shavelson, R.J. , Hubner, J.J. and Stanton, G.C. (1976) 'Self-concept Validation of Construct Interpretations', Review of Educational Research46: 407-441.
13.
Smith, D.C. , Adelman, H.S., Nelson, P., Taylor, L. and Phares, V. (1987) 'Students' Perceptions of Control at School and Problem Behavior and Attitudes', Journal of School Psychology25: 167-176.
14.
Veenhoven, R. (1991a) 'Is Happiness Relative?', Social Indicators Research24: 1-34.
15.
Veenhoven, R. (1991b) 'World Database of Happiness'. (Available from R. Veenhoven, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences, RISBO, P 0 Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, Netherlands).
16.
Watson, D. , Clark, L.A. and Tellegen, A. (1988) 'Development and Validation of Brief Measures of Positive and Negative Affect: The PANAS scales', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology54: 1063-1070.
17.
Witt, J.C. , Cavell, T.A., Heffer, R., Carey, M. and Martens, B. (1988) 'Child Self-report: Interviewing Techniques and Rating Scales', in E. Shapiro and T. Kratochwill (eds) Behavioral Assessment in Schools, pp. 384-454. New York: Guilford.
