Work

Psychometric properties and factor structure of the satisfaction with life scale in Ecuadorian university students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) measures the global cognitive judgment about one’s own life. Although it has been validated in different countries and populations, in the Ecuadorian context, it has not been validated for a university population. Objective The present study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the SWLS in a large sample of Ecuadorian college students. Methods Instrumental-psychometric study with a sample of 4,524 participants from three Ecuadorian universities, with an average age of 22 (±3.15). The SWLS was evaluated in terms of its factor structure, factorial invariance, internal consistency and correlations with other measures related to mental health. Results The SWLS factor structure optimally fits the single-factor model (X2/df = 3.79; CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.996; SRMR = 0.023; RMSEA = 0.030). This model is invariant between men and women. The internal consistency of this instrument is acceptable according to the omega coefficient (ω = 0.84). The scores of this scale correlate, as expected, negatively with constructs such as depression and stress. Conclusion The SWLS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the personal perception of life satisfaction of Ecuadorian university students.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536973

Authors: Victor Manuel López-Guerra, Tatiana Isabel Pucha-Loarte, Luisa T. Angelucci, Pablo V. Torres-Carrión

Institutions: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801