Satisfaction with Life Scale: Evidences of validity and reliability among Portuguese college students

Abstract

This paper presents new data on the reliability and validity of results in the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) among university students. A sample of 545 students from a Portuguese public university was considered. The unidimensionality of the scale was confirmed, with all factor loadings higher than.60, although their invariance according to the gender of the students was not confirmed, and it was not advisable to compare the results between men and women. Moderate positive and negative correlations with positive and negative affects assessed through the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) translate evidence of criterion validity. The internal consistency of the results in the fifth items of the ESV was.77, considered adequate face the reduced number of items.