Citation: Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D., Oishi, S., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). New measures of well-being: Flourishing and positive and negative feelings. Social Indicators Research, 39, 247-266.
PMID or DOI: N/A
Main positive psychological well-being construct measured: Flourishing
Sub-constructs measured: Purpose/meaning in life, life satisfaction, optimism, competence, engagement in activities, positive relationships, contributing to others’ happiness, being respected by others
Available subscales: N/A
Description: The Flourishing Scale is a brief 8-item summary measure of the respondent’s self-perceived success in important areas such as relationships, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism. The scale provides a single psychological well-being score.
Number of items: 8
Example of statement/item: “I actively contribute to the happiness and well-being of others”
Response options: 7-point Likert Scale ranging from 1 “Strongly disagree” to 7 “Strongly agree”
Total score: Responses are summed, varying from 1 to 7, for all eight items. The possible range of scores is from 8 (lowest possible) to 56 (highest PWB possible). A high score represents a person with many psychological resources and strengths.
Examples of studies:
Kim TE, Jang CY. The relationship between children’s flourishing and being overweight. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Aug 24;14(4):598-605.
Lyons A, Heywood W, Rozbroj T. Psychosocial factors associated with flourishing among Australian HIV-positive gay men. BMC Psychol. 2016 Sep 15;4(1):46.
Wickham SR, Amarasekara NA, Bartonicek A, Conner TS. The Big Three Health Behaviors and Mental Health and Well-Being Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Sleep, Exercise, and Diet. Front Psychol. 2020 Dec 10;11:579205.