Validity and reliability of the Subjective Happiness Scale Arabic version among Saudi working women

Abstract

Objective: Measuring Saudi women’s subjective happiness during the present period that has brought great transformations in gender equality in KSA is essential to gather reliable information about the present situation of women in KSA. This study intends to test the validity and reliability of the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale’ Arabic version (SHS-A) when applied to Saudi working women. This study also examines the factors that affect the subjective happiness of Saudi working women. Methods: This validation study was conducted among 300 Saudi working women to test the psychometric properties of the SHS-A. Validity was evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Multiple regression analysis was also carried out to examine the factors affecting subjective happiness. Results: The PCA identified one factor that explained approximately 66.0% of the variance of the model. The CFA revealed the following findings: normed fit index = 0.982, comparative fit index = 0.990, Tucker– Lewis index = 0.971, goodness-of-fit index = 0.986, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.929, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.086. The x2/df value was 2.09 (x2=4.189, p=.123). The Cronbach’s alpha of the SHS-A in the first and second samples was 0.824 and 0.830, respectively. Employment position, working hours, and monthly salary were found to influence the subjective happiness of Saudi working women. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that supports the validity and reliability of the SHS-A when used among Saudi working women. This valid and reliable tool can open further avenues and opportunities for advancing women’s research agenda in KSA and other Arabic-speaking countries for economic and societal progress.