A New Subjective Well-Being Index Using Anchored Best-Worst Scaling
46 Pages Posted: 17 Jan 2023
Date Written: January 10, 2023
Abstract
Subjective well-being (SWB) describes an individual’s life evaluation. Direct elicitation methods for SWB via rating scales do not force individuals to trade-off among life domains. This research offers a new method to measure SWB using Anchored Best- Worst Scaling (ABWS). Respondents nominate their most and least satisfactory areas with respect to 11 SWB domains and areas of most and least importance. We extend BWS to elicit anchoring points to provide an absolute measure of domain satisfaction. When ABWS measures of domain satisfaction and importance are combined, a robust measure of individual SWB is produced. Results from surveying 2500 Australians reveals ABWS improves discrimination amongst domains in terms of importance and satisfaction, and identifies differences in SWB, such as by location and age. The method presents a diagnostic tool to focus services, policy, and initiatives in areas to most impact wellbeing (i.e., low satisfaction; high importance).
Note:
Funding declaration: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflict of Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
Keywords: subjective well-being, importance weighting, best-worst scaling, quality of life
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