A scoping review of well-being measures: conceptualisation and scales for overall well-being

Abstract

This study aims to identify the conceptualisation of overall well-being used for well-being assessment through a review of the characteristics and key components and/or dimensions of well-being scales as presented in current literature. Scopus and Web of Science were searched, and thematic analysis was conducted inductively to analyse the identified components within scales, as well as the types of well-being these scales measure. 107 peer-reviewed articles from 2003 to 2022 were included, and 69 well-being scales were identified covering nine areas of well-being. Four final themes were identified as the foundational dimensions of overall well-being: hedonic; eudaimonic; physical health; and generic happiness. Notably, these 69 scales are mainly validated and adopted in the Western context. '4 + N' frameworks of overall well-being are recommended for assessing overall well-being. This review provides researchers with a synthesis of what types of well-being have been measured and which measures have been used to assess these types of well-being for which research participants. Non-Western-based well-being research is called for that incorporates a broader range of research participants and cultural contexts in contributing to a more inclusive understanding of well-being.

Keywords: Eudaimonic; Generic happiness; Hedonic; Physical health; Thematic analysis; Well-being.

Fig. 1

Flow chart of study selection following PRISMA-ScR guidance

Fig. 2

Research context of 69 identified well-being scales

Fig. 3

‘4 + N’ framework of Overall well-being (Note. “…” indicates “N” flexible components, which can be included or excluded in the measurement of overall well-being with the development of its conceptualisation)