Inner Wellbeing: Concept and Validation of a New Approach to Subjective Perceptions of Wellbeing -India.
Abstract
This paper describes the conceptual development of a multi-domain, psychosocialmodel of 'Inner Wellbeing' (IWB) and assesses the construct validity of the scale designed to measure it. IWB expresses what people think and feel they are able to be and do. Drawing together scholarship in wellbeing and international development it is grounded in field research in marginalised, rural communities in the global South. Results from research in India at two points in time (2011 and 2013) are reported, explaining the development and confirmation of a seven-factor, correlated model. The model includes the following distinct yet interrelated domains: economic confidence, agency and participation, social connections, close relationships, physical and mental health, competence and self-worth,and values and meaning (five items per domain). This model provided a significantly better fit to the data than did a one-factor model.
Citation
White, S.; Jha, S.; Gaines Jr., S.O. Inner Wellbeing: Concept and Validation of a New Approach to Subjective Perceptions of Wellbeing—India. Social Indicators Research (2013) : [DOI: 10.1007/s11205-013-0504-7]