Is There Only One Well-Being for Younger Children and Preadolescents? The Revision of the SCWBS Questionnaire with Detailed Psychometric Properties

This study evaluates the assessment of the well-being of children and preadolescents by examining the psychometric properties of the Stirling Children's Well-Being Scale (SCWBS). Given the growing concerns about children's mental health, accurate and easily administrable measurement tools are urgently needed. This research represents the first in-depth investigation of the SCWBS's factor structure and psychometric characteristics in the largest sample of children under 15 years using multidimensional item response theory. Engaging 1701 children from fourth and sixth grades, we analyzed three SCWBS models: unidimensional, two-factor, and bi-factor models. We also investigated measurement invariance in gender and grade categories, as well as the convergent validity of the scale. The results suggest that, for this age group, the most appropriate approach to evaluate well-being is a unidimensional one, rather than separating it into subjective and psychological well-being. Additionally, we propose a three-point Likert scale for younger participants. Thus, based on our results and previous findings, we hypothesize that the sample under study perceived well-being per se, not specific domains of well-being.