Psychometric validation of a subjective well-being measure for people with spinal cord injuries

PURPOSE: 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. METHOD: 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.