Psychometric evaluation of the satisfaction with life scale in Togo : A three-step approach

The Satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) developed by Diener, Emmons, Larsen, and Griffin(1985) is considered the most widely used psychometric scale for assessing life satisfaction. Despiteplethora of cross-cultural research that provided evidences of its robustness, none was conducted inFrench-speaking sub-Saharan countries such as Togo.Objective. - Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity of the SWLS extensively among Togolese college students (n = 460) in a three-step approach from 2012 to 2014.Method and results. - Firstly, social representations of well-being were explored qualitatively. Then, theoriginal version of the SWLS was administered. Based on the results we gathered, a scale item was altered.Psychometric properties of the revised version of the SWLS were examined, revealing adequate constructvalidity, reliability, temporal stability, measurement invariance across gender, convergent validity witha single measure of life satisfaction, and discriminant validity with various life domain satisfactions.Conclusion. - Limitations and implications in life satisfaction measurement are also discussed with regardsto the Togolese cultural context