Psychometric validation of a subjective well-being measure for people with spinal cord injuries.
OBJECTIVE
The researchers examined the factorial validity and the concurrent validity of the Sense of Well-Being Inventory (SWBI) based on a sample of Canadians with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the community.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-two participants were recruited from the Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba chapters of the Canadian Paraplegic Association. Mean age of participants was 45.82 years (SD=15.67), and 77% were men. The participants were asked to complete a research packet containing a demographic questionnaire, the SWBI, and the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).


RESULTS
Factor analysis yield four factors (Psychological Well-Being, Financial Well-Being, Social and Family Well-Being, and Physical Well-Being) similar to the original SWBI. In addition, the SWBI factors in the present study correlated moderately well with the corresponding factors in the WHOQOL-BREF and with demographic variables appropriate to the respective subscale.


CONCLUSIONS
The factorial validity and the concurrent validity of the SWBI were generally supported. The SWBI, as a subjective well-being measure developed specifically to relate to disability and rehabilitation, appears useful for use with people with SCI in the community.
Chapin
Martha H
MH
Department of Rehabilitation Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353, USA. chapinm@mail.ecu.edu
Miller
Susan M
SM
Ferrin
James M
JM
Chan
Fong
F
Rubin
Stanford E
SE
D002170:Canada; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires