SWLS
Satisfaction With Life Scale
Show Details
Introduction
SWLS is a brief measure of global cognitive judgments of life satisfaction. Respondents indicate agreement with five statements using 7-point anchors.
References
- Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71-75. 10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
- Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (1993). Review of the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Social Indicators Research, 28(1), 1-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the SWLS?
The Satisfaction With Life Scale is a 5-item measure of global life satisfaction created by Diener and colleagues in 1985. It is one of the most widely used instruments in well-being research.
What does my SWLS score mean?
Scores range 5-35. Common interpretation bands: 31-35 extremely satisfied, 26-30 satisfied, 20-25 slightly satisfied/neutral, 15-19 slightly dissatisfied, 5-9 extremely dissatisfied. It measures a judgment about your life as a whole, not momentary mood.
Is life satisfaction the same as happiness?
Not exactly. Satisfaction is a cognitive judgment about how your life measures up to your standards; happiness (affect) is how you feel. Two people can be equally satisfied but differ in day-to-day emotion, and vice versa.
How often should I retake the SWLS?
Because it reflects a stable evaluation, retaking it every few months is more informative than weekly. Meaningful shifts tend to follow changes in life circumstances or goals.
Learn More
Flourishing Scale
FeaturedMeasure overall psychological well-being and subjective happiness.
Mental Health Continuum (Short Form)
Measure emotional, social, and psychological well-being dimensions.
Oxford Happiness Questionnaire
FeaturedMeasure your subjective level of happiness across multiple dimensions.
