The Arabic Scale of Happiness (ASH): psychometric characteristics¹,²

There are few happiness measures in Arabic. The purpose of this study was to construct and validate the Arabic Scale of Happiness as a trait measure, suitable for college students and adolescents. The scale comprised 15 brief statements plus five filler items. Each item was answered on a 5-point intensity scale. The total score could range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating higher happiness. A principal axis factor analysis followed with oblique rotation (pattern and structure matrices) yielded two factors labeled: General happiness and Successful life. Item-rest-of-test correlations ranged from .42 to .77. Cronbach's alphas and test-retest reliabilities ranged from .82 to .94, indicating good internal consistency and temporal stability. The construct validity of the scale ranged between .55 and .79 against the Fordyce Happiness Measure, the Subjective Happiness Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Inventory. The Arabic Scale of Happiness statistically significantly correlated with mental health, satisfaction with life, optimism, love of life, and self-esteem, so construct validity was adequately demonstrated. Male college and high school students obtained higher mean scores than did their female counterparts. Male and female undergraduates obtained higher mean scores than did their adolescent counterparts. It was concluded that the Arabic Scale of Happiness has good psychometric properties. The scale has an English equivalent version.