The concept flourishing is based on optimal human functioning. It incorporates several constructs from the field of positive psychology.
In contrast to the commonly used hedonic approach of subjective well-being, flourishing is based on the eudaimonic approach of psychological well-being and involves some of the same constructs as self-efficacy from a mastery perspective. People reporting a higher sense of flourishing are also expected to score higher on self-efficacy. Higher self-esteem is also linked to higher levels of mastery and self-efficacy.
Flourishing Scale
The Flourishing Scale has eight items with answers given on a 7-point Likert scale from 1 strongly disagree to 7 strongly agree [Diener, 2009].
- I lead a purposeful and meaningful life
- My social relationships are supportive and rewarding
- I am engaged and interested in my daily activities
- I actively contribute to the happiness and well-being of others
- I am competent and capable in the activities that are important to me
- I am a good person and live a good life
- I am optimistic about my future
- People respect me
This scale was also used as part of the New Zealand’s Sovereign Well-Being Index (N=100,009). Subsequent analyses of the underlying structures and psychometric properties of the scales were performed as well as reliability and validity checks and benchmarking to other well-being scales used in the survey. The study concluded that the Flourishing Scale “is a valid and reliable brief summary measure of psychological functioning, suited for use with a wide range of age groups and applications ” [Hone, 2013].
In the data from my own experiment the Flourishing Scale (α=.90, mean 4.07 [SD 0.65]) correlates with other measurements of well-being (PANAS and self-esteem) as expected.
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