Satisfaction with Life Scale

What it measures

The most widely used measure of global life satisfaction — the cognitive, evaluative component of subjective wellbeing. Respondents assess overall life quality according to their own criteria. Free, brief, and validated in 40+ languages.

Response format

Likert (1–7, strongly disagree to strongly agree); total 5–35

Representative items

• In most ways my life is close to my ideal.
• The conditions of my life are excellent.
• I am satisfied with my life.
• So far I have gotten the important things I want in life.
• If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.

Usage notes & scoring

Public domain — freely available. Score ranges: 30–35 extremely satisfied; 25–29 satisfied; 20–24 slightly satisfied; 15–19 slightly dissatisfied; 10–14 dissatisfied; 5–9 extremely dissatisfied. Measures cognitive evaluation, not mood — pair with PANAS for affect.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Diener, E., Emmons, R.A., Larsen, R.J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75.

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