The satisfaction with life scale and the well-being index WHO-5 in young Peruvians: a network analysis

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study is to calculate the structure of a network of elements of life satisfaction and emotional well-being in young Peruvians, through network analysis, using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Well-Being Index WHO-5. A total of 414 university students between the ages of 18 and 27 (M = 22.18; SD = 2.57) participated. The results show that network analysis offers new avenues for exploring the dimensionality of complex constructs, concluding that the SWLS and WHO-5 represent distinct but related dimensions of subjective well-being. In addition, the items linked to the global judgement of satisfaction with one’s own life and with the activation of the arousal level stand out for their relevance in the network. Finally, some differences in network connectivity according to sex are highlighted, which merit further research.

KEYWORDS:

• Subjective well-being
• life satisfaction
• emotional well-being
• Peruvian youth

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Author contributions

All the authors participated in the preparation of the paper. Specifically, SKLH and JVL participated in the initial drafting of the manuscript and its conceptualization; authors CTS and CCC also coordinated and executed the data collection procedures; author JVL was responsible for data analysis; and author SKLH was responsible for editing the final version. All authors have approved the final version of the paper and agree to be responsible for all aspects of their work.

Data availability statement

The raw data of this research will be made available by email request.