VALIDATING SOCIAL WELL-BEING SCALE IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GENDER AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Abstract

This research was AIMED to validate Keyes’s (1998) social well-being scale in Pakistan and to analyze the role of gender and socio-demographic profile in predicting social well-being of youth. We recruited a total of 852 respondents from public sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan, using a multistage sampling technique for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Amos version 20. Findings revealed that Cronbach's alpha for the total social well-being scale was good (α=0.90). Results showed that the convergent and discriminant validity of all the dimensions of the social well-being scale was within an acceptable range. Similarly, the results of conformity factor analysis revealed that fit indices were also within the acceptable limit. The results of the independent t-test revealed that male participants (t=3.085, P=.002**), married participants (t=-2.270, P=.023*), and participants who belonged to the nuclear family system (t=-3.995, P=.001**) had a greater level of social well-being. The findings confirm that a new 24-item social well-being scale is valid in Pakistan and needs further empirical and theoretical support. This validated scale may  be used in further research by academicians, young researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), economic organizations, and government bodies to make well-being policies.