A Dimensional Approach to Assess Emotional Wellness: Reliability and Validity of a Modified Emotional Wellness Scale (EWS)

The study aims to adapt and validate a measurement tool for emotional wellness, specifically focusing on its multidimensional structure. The study was conducted by using online survey method with a sample size 356 white-collar employees from selected service sectors in Ethiopia. Primary data was gathered using a modified 16- item structured emotional wellness questionnaire. Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test the validity of EWS. Cronbach alpha and item-total score correlation was used to analyse the reliability of the EWS. The EFA showed that the EWS has a two-factor structure, with 14 items accounting for 52.2% of the total variance, indicating a valid factor structure. The sub-dimensions were identified as "Emotional Management" and "Emotional Awareness,". Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supports the twofactor model, with excellent fit with various statistical indices (CIMN (X²/ df=1.86), RMSEA =0.052, SRMR = 0.049, CFI= 1.000, NFI= .996, GFI =.997 and RFI= .995). The scale's reliability is confirmed through the Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient, with an overall score of α= 0.922 and with sub-dimensions scoring α= 0.897 and α= 0.864, respectively. The scale's unique features demonstrate high discriminatory power, with a satisfactory correlation with the items' index score and a range of 0.527 to 0.723. The finding shows that the EWS is a reliable and theoretically sound tool for assessing emotional wellness. This measurement instrument has been exclusively evaluated on white-collar employees within select service sectors in Ethiopia. It requires further testing across diverse cultures, sectors, and larger sample sizes to ensure generalisability.