This study developed and validated an expanded multidimensional measure of flourishing that incorporates moral and intellectual well-being. Two studies were conducted with university students in Argentina. Study 1 (N = 560) used exploratory factor analysis to identify a 20-item, five-factor structure comprising emotional, social, psychological, moral, and intellectual well-being. Study 2 (N = 427) tested this structure using confirmatory factor analysis, which indicated good fit (CFI = .93, TLI = .92, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .05). Internal consistency was adequate for the total scale (Ω = .86) and acceptable for most subscales, although moral and intellectual well-being subscales showed lower but acceptable reliability. Convergent validity was supported by positive associations with personal growth, academic engagement, and perseverance. The five-factor model demonstrated superior fit compared to alternative structures, supporting the distinctiveness of moral and intellectual well-being within the broader flourishing construct. These findings extend prevailing models of flourishing by providing empirical support for a more comprehensive conceptualization of well-being. The resulting scale offers a concise and psychometrically robust instrument suitable for research in positive psychology and educational contexts, and may inform interventions aimed at fostering both ethical and intellectual growth.
Vanney et al. (Mon,) studied this question.