Psychological Balance Scale: Validation Studies of an Integrative Measure of Well-Being

Abstract

Studies infer Psychological Balance from the absence of psychopathology. In this article, we investigated this construct as an antecedent of well-being. We present empirical evidence toward the validation of a new theoretical model regarding Psychological Balance, a dynamic state with relatively constant characteristics, comprising Consistency and Flexibility and influenced by a Self/Others Ratio. A battery of 31 items, as indicators of Consistency, Flexibility, and Self/Others Ratio, aided this empirical investigation. In an online study (N = 933), we collected cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom. Results of cross-validation analyses provided evidence toward the validity of the proposed model and the psychometric properties of its instrument. There were statistically significant associations between Consistency (i.e., degree of integration of a universal value structure as self-related characteristics that motivate personal goals and behavior), Flexibility (i.e., degree of ability to re-define meaningful and important goals in response to situational challenge), and five well-being variables (e.g., Meaning in Life). Self/Others Ratio (i.e., ratio of motivation to serve self-interest and the interest of others), operationalized as a binary variable (e.g., close and away from 1), moderated some of these associations. Altogether, this work may contribute toward a nuanced understanding of well-being and form the basis of interventions that aim to decrease emotional discomfort and increase meaning, happiness, and life satisfaction.

Keywords: consistency; flexibility; meaning in life; psychological balance; satisfaction with life; self/others ratio; well-being.

FIGURE 1

(A) Value pattern within the value structure. (B) Value pattern fluctuation in response to change.

FIGURE 2

Psychological Balance moves on a horizontal axis between Consistency and Flexibility and on a vertical axis between Self and Others.

FIGURE 3

Study 1: Scree plot assessed appropriate number of factors for exploratory factor analysis.

FIGURE 4

Study 2: High-order structure of Psychological Balance.

FIGURE 5

Study 3: Measurement model for testing measurement invariance.

FIGURE 6

Study 3: (A) Self/Others Ratio as a positive moderator in the relationship between Psychological Balance and Psychological Well-Being. (B) Self/Others Ratio as a negative moderator in the relationship between Psychological Balance and Perceived Stress.

FIGURE 7

Study 3: (A) Replicated regression analyses confirming convergence and divergence validity of the Consistency subscale. (B) Replicated regression analysis confirming convergence and divergence validity of the Flexibility. MEMS, Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale; SWLS, Satisfaction with Life Scale; SH, Subjective Happiness; PWB, Psychological Well-Being; PS, Perceived Stress.