Psychometric properties of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in the general Romanian population and professionals working with autistic students

Abstract This study aimed to translate the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) into the Romanian language and to examine its psychometric properties on two samples: the general adult population ( N = 508) and specialists working with autistic students ( N = 204). Specifically, we assessed construct validity, convergent validity with overall well-being and life satisfaction, divergent validity with prodromal symptoms and general health status, test-retest reliability at two weeks, and social desirability bias. The Romanian WEMWBS demonstrated robust construct, convergent, and divergent validity, supported by good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90 for the general population and 0.91 for professionals) and two-week test-retest reliability. These results are similar to those reported for samples from other countries. Despite concerns about social desirability bias, the study revealed no evidence of respondents consciously providing socially desirable answers, although a slight tendency toward unconsciously favourable responses was observed. Caution is warranted in generalising the results due to age- and gender-related sample limitations. In conclusion, the Romanian WEMWBS is a valid tool for assessing mental well-being, offering cross-cultural applicability and the potential for methodological comparisons across various professional groups.