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Correlational findings

Study Magnus & Diener (1991): study US 1986

Public
University students, USA, followed 4 years 1986-1990
Sample
Respondents
N = 130
Non Response
Assessment
Multiple assesment methods
Self-report questionnaires, peer reports, and experinece sampling.

Correlate

Authors's Label
Satisfaction with life (SWLS)
Our Classification
Error Estimates
Cronbach's alpha = + . 87, Disattenuated retest correlation = + .62
Remarks
Item E is left out in the selection of valid happiness items because a positive answer to this question does not necessarily mean that the respondent doesn't like the life he/she actually lives.
Operationalization
Selfreport on five questions:

Using the 1-5 scale below, indicate your agreement with each of the items by placing the appropriate number on the line preceding that item. Please be open and honest in your responding.
A  In most ways my life is close to ideal
B  The conditions of my life are excellent
C  I am satisfied with my life
D  So far, I have gotten the important things I want in life
E If I could live my life over, I would change nothing

Answers rated:
5 strongly agree
4 slightly agree
3  neither agree nor disagree
2  slightly disagree
1  strongly disagree

Computation: A+B+C+D+E divided by 5

Name: Shortened Diener's Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)

Observed Relation with Happiness

Happiness Measure Statistics Elaboration / Remarks M-FH-g-sq-n-11-a r = +.55 p < .00 T2 happiness by T1 SWLS O-DT-u-sq-v-7-a r = +.55 p < .00 T1 happiness by T2 SWLS O-DT-u-sq-v-7-a r = +.52 p < .05 T1 happiness by T2 SWLS O-Sum-g-fi-?-7-a r = +.46 p < .05 T1 happiness by T2 SWLS A-AOL-g-rdp-v-10-a r = +.34 p < .05 T1 happiness by T2 SWLS A-AOL-g-rdp-v-10-a r = +.47 p < .05 T2 happiness by T1 SWLS

T1-T2 4 years interval