Life Satisfaction Score (SWLS)

Happiness and life satisfaction scores are standardized psychometric tools that translate subjective well-being into a measurable number. These scores are used in research, therapy, and personal development to track change over time.

Validated scales and their formulas:

Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS: Diener et al., 1985): 5 items, each rated 1–7. Score = Sum of all 5 items (range: 5–35)

• 31–35: Extremely satisfied | 26–30: Satisfied | 21–25: Slightly satisfied
• 20: Neutral | 15–19: Slightly dissatisfied | 10–14: Dissatisfied | 5–9: Extremely dissatisfied

Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ): 29 items, rated 1–6. Mean Score = Total Points ÷ 29 (range: 1–6)

• Below 2: Unhappy | 2–3: Not particularly happy | 3–4: Rather happy | 4–5: Happy | 5–6: Very happy

PERMA Model Score (Positive psychology: Seligman): PERMA Score = (Positive Emotion + Engagement + Relationships + Meaning + Achievement) ÷ 5 Each dimension rated 0–10; overall wellbeing score out of 10.

What each variable means:

• Positive Emotion: frequency and intensity of positive feelings (joy, gratitude, serenity).
• Engagement: flow states and deep absorption in activities.
• Relationships: quality of social connections and support.
• Meaning: sense of purpose beyond oneself.
• Achievement: accomplishment and goal pursuit.

Worked example (PERMA): Positive Emotion: 7 | Engagement: 8 | Relationships: 6 | Meaning: 9 | Achievement: 7 PERMA Score = (7+8+6+9+7) ÷ 5 = 37 ÷ 5 = 7.4 out of 10

Note: These are self-report tools for personal insight, not clinical diagnosis. Significant and sustained low scores warrant discussion with a mental health professional.