Exploring a General Construct underlying Quality of Life and Well-Being with Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract Numerous studies have examined the tripartite model of mental well-being, which comprises subjective, psychological, and social well-being. However, few studies have investigated the overlap of these constructs with quality of life despite considerable overlap at face value. Looking through a quality of life lens, Skevington and Böhnke (2018) identified a general life quality and well-being factor people use when evaluating their overall well-being and life quality. Building on Skevington and Böhnke’s (2018) research and guided by Keyes' (2002) mental health continuum model, the present study aimed to investigate whether an overarching factor underlies subjective well-being (SWB), psychological well-being (PWB), social well-being (Soc WB), and quality of life (QoL). A bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling framework was used to explore the factor structures of the MHC LF and WHOQOL Combi scales. A five-factor B-ESEM model showed the best fit and provided evidence for a general life quality well-being factor underlying quality of life and the three mental well-being constructs: subjective, psychological, and social well-being. This study contributes to cross-disciplinary research by identifying common ground between well-being and quality-of-life approaches.