Development and initial validation of the Latinx well-being scale

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] In 2000, the conceptualization and operationalization of psychological well-being shifted to a science of positive subjective experiences to improve quality of life. Although this new model was a more positive way of conceptualizing well-being compared to prior methods, this new approach fell short because it was based on non-Latinx Whites and excluded other racial and ethnic groups (i.e. Latinxs). To better assess the well-being of Latinxs, I developed the Latinx Well-being Scale (LWBS), a culturally grounded, strength-based, and holistic measure based on the lived experiences of Latinxs in the United States. With a total of 239 Latinxs primarily from the West Coast, the results of an exploratory factors analysis (EFA) suggested a 55-item, 4-factor solution: (a) Familial Well-being, (b) Spiritual Well-being, (c) Community Well-being, and (d) Physical well-being. The LWBS showed good internal consistency along with evidence to support convergent, discriminant, and construct validity. Directions for future use of the scale in Latinx psychology research and practice are provided.