Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Keywords
Positive psychology, Wellbeing, Happiness, Measurement, Self-report measure, Systematic review
Abstract
The volume of empirical research on positive psychology topics has grown substantially over the past two decades. This review examines how constructs in positive psychology have been operationalized, measured, validated, cited, and applied to build the science. Based on an archive of 972 empirical articles linked to positive psychology, this review found that 762 articles used at least one measurement scale; 312 measures were created or adapted. Findings reveal a wide range of scales being used to measure a variety of constructs, including scales on both life-enhancing and life-depleting constructs. Key characteristics such as journals, constructs, and scale development and validation information are discussed. There are some reliability analyses and validations occurring within the field, but the creation of new measures far outpaces the validation of existing measures. Weaknesses such as multiple operationalizations may be rooted in inadequate discourse and synthesis. We call for further cross-pollination for a more scientifically robust scholarship in positive psychology.
Publication Title
International Journal of Wellbeing
Volume
8
Issue
2
First Page
1
Last Page
21
DOI
10.5502/ijw.v8i2.734
Required Publisher's Statement
The International Journal of Wellbeing provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Recommended Citation
Ackerman, C. E., Warren, M. A., & Donaldson, S. I., (2018). Scaling the heights of positive psychology: A systematic review of measurement scales. International Journal of Wellbeing, 8(2), 1-21. doi:10.5502/ijw.v8i2.734
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Positive psychology--Measurement--Reviews; Hope--Measurement--Reviews
Full list of measures used
Genre/Form
articles
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
