Psychometric Properties of the 44-Item Version of Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale

This study examined the factorial validity and reliability (Omega(w)) of the nonreversed, 44-item version of Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS; Ryff, 1989) on a Romanian convenience sample of 664 participants from the general population. The results showed that the correlated six-factor model presented a relatively good fit, chi(2)(887) = 2922.85, p < .001, RMSEA = .059, RMSEA 90% CI = [.056; .062], SRMR = .048, CFI = .973, compared to single-factor and independent six-factor models. Based on the Delta CFI value, we found no significant differences between the correlated six-factor and the hierarchical model. Although the correlated six-factor model had a relatively good fit, the high correlations between the six latent factors suggest a high overlap among them. Our results indicate that well-being can be conceptualized as a second-order factor encompassing six dimensions, represented by autonomy, positive relations, environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The value of the Omega(w) reliability coefficient of the six subscales as well as the whole instrument was above .70. The present study has a practical implication by highlighting the factorial validity of a shorter (44-item) instrument, thus shortening the time necessary for data collection.