Happiness Measure: How Well Does It Travel the World?

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a popular tool to gauge happiness worldwide. However, doubts lurk about its consistency across different countries. A recent study dived into data from 65 nations, 40 languages, and various gender identities and age groups, collected between 2020 and 2022. Over 56, 000 participants filled out the SWLS under similar conditions. Analysis showed that this happiness measure holds up well across nations, languages, genders, and ages. While the scale differed slightly for some national groups, it generally stuck to its mission, capturing life satisfaction consistently. Key findings revealed that higher life satisfaction was tied to financial stability and committed relationships. This study's findings suggest that the SWLS is a reliable tool for assessing happiness globally, offering valuable insights for enhancing well-being worldwide.