Email this article 
Hide
Show all
Original Research
An investigation into the factor structure of the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being
Submitted: 09 April 2015 | Published: 04 November 2016
About the author(s)
Carolina M. Henn, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaCarin Hill, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Lené I. Jorgensen, WorkWell, Research Unit for Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, South Africa
Abstract
Orientation: South African studies investigating the factor structure of the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RPWB) are needed to ensure that the instrument is valid and reliable within the South African context.
Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the factor structure of the RPWB within two South African samples. Motivation for the study: Although a substantial number of studies have been undertaken, results regarding the factor structure of the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being are inconclusive. There is a dearth of information in relation to South African studies examining the scales’ factor structure.
Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach using a crosssectional field survey design was utilised. An adult working group (n = 202) was selected using convenience sampling, and a student group (n = 226) was selected by means of purposive non-probability sampling. An Exploratory Factor Analysis and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted to examine the factor structure.
Main findings: The preferred model was a two-factor model where all the positively worded items were grouped in the first factor and all the negatively worded items were grouped in the second factor.
Practical/managerial implications: The factor structure of the original RPWB was not satisfactorily replicated and remains seemingly unsettled. The utility of negatively worded items should be considered carefully, and alternatives such as mixed response options and phrase completion should be explored. The scales should be used with caution.
Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the literature concerning the factor structure of the RPWB with an emphasis on the South African context. It contributes to ensuring that researchers and practitioners use a valid and reliable instrument when measuring psychological well-being.
Keywords
Metrics
Total abstract views: 10635Total article views: 17577
Crossref Citations
1. Attachment and well-being: Mediatory roles of mindfulness, psychological inflexibility, and resilience
Vincenzo Calvo, Claudia D’Aquila, Diego Rocco, Elena Carraro
Current Psychology vol: 41 issue: 5 first page: 2966 year: 2022
doi: 10.1007/s12144-020-00820-2
2. Comparison of wellbeing structures based on survey responses and social media language: A network analysis
Selim Sametoğlu, Dirk H. M. Pelt, Johannes C. Eichstaedt, Lyle H. Ungar, Meike Bartels
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being vol: 15 issue: 4 first page: 1555 year: 2023
doi: 10.1111/aphw.12451
3. The linkages between person-organization spirituality fit and workers’ psychological well-being
Tamer Koburtay, Abedelkareem Alzoubi
The Journal of Social Psychology vol: 161 issue: 1 first page: 103 year: 2021
doi: 10.1080/00224545.2020.1778618
4. Analysis of self-efficacy and resilience as determinants of psychological well-being in situations of psychological stress in students
Erna Agustina Yudiati, Dwi Yuwono Puji Sugiharto, Edy Purwanto, Sunawan
Multidisciplinary Reviews vol: 8 issue: 9 first page: 2025274 year: 2025
doi: 10.31893/multirev.2025274
5. Contribution of community-based sociotherapy interventions for the psychological well-being of Rwandan youths born to genocide perpetrators and survivors: analysis of the stories telling of a sociotherapy approach
Emmanuel Biracyaza, Samuel Habimana
BMC Psychology vol: 8 issue: 1 year: 2020
doi: 10.1186/s40359-020-00471-9
6. Felicidad eudaimónica en trabajadores: revisión de la literatura sobre las Escalas de Ryff
Pablo Andrés Erazo Muñoz, Martha Isabel Riaño Casallas
Revista Universidad y Empresa vol: 27 issue: 49 first page: 1 year: 2025
doi: 10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/empresa/a.14621
7. Influence of socio-economic indicators of the region on the psychological well-being of residents of pre-retirement age in southern Siberia
Chochagai Mongush, Valerii Sitnikov, Syrga Mombay-Ool, Svetlana Kedich, Olga Mongush, Saylana Khomushku
Current Psychology vol: 42 issue: 15 first page: 12490 year: 2023
doi: 10.1007/s12144-021-02655-x
8. The Wellbeing of Clergy and Vowed Religious
Konrad Noronha, Dinesh Braganza
Pastoral Psychology vol: 71 issue: 5 first page: 667 year: 2022
doi: 10.1007/s11089-021-00961-6
9. Social-Emotional Health and Psychological Well-Being among Church School Students
Eva Gajdošová, Jana Janičová
Acta Educationis Generalis vol: 11 issue: 2 first page: 19 year: 2021
doi: 10.2478/atd-2021-0010
10. THE PROFILE OF STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AT THE FACULTY OF TARBIYAH AND TEACHER SCIENCES SALATIGA STATE ISLAMIC INSTITUTE
Mulawarman Mulawarman, Eni Rindi Antika, Sigit Hariyadi, Abi Faizzarahman Prabawa, Firdian Setiya Arinata, Ari Eko Wibowo, Nilna Aula Niswah, Yasmin Meilana Tsani, Vira Mulyawati
Counsenesia Indonesian Journal Of Guidance and Counseling vol: 4 issue: 1 first page: 1 year: 2023
doi: 10.36728/cijgc.vi.2405
11. The 18-item Swedish version of Ryff’s psychological wellbeing scale: psychometric properties based on classical test theory and item response theory
Danilo Garcia, Maryam Kazemitabar, Mojtaba Habibi Asgarabad
Frontiers in Psychology vol: 14 year: 2023
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1208300
12. Development and psychometric assessment of a psychological well-being instrument for adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning
Aniek van Herwaarden, Nienke C. Peters-Scheffer, Robert Didden
Research in Developmental Disabilities vol: 121 first page: 104151 year: 2022
doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104151
13. Acculturation and psychological well-being among Middle Eastern migrants in Australia: The mediating role of social support and perceived discrimination
Neda Hashemi, Maryam Marzban, Bernadette Sebar, Neil Harris
International Journal of Intercultural Relations vol: 72 first page: 45 year: 2019
doi: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2019.07.002
14. "Calm" in Sadra's wisdom and contemporary psychology: an analytical approach
Mohammad Javad Pashaei, Mahmoud Khalilian Shalamzari
Metaphysical Investigations vol: 5 issue: 1 first page: 130 year: 2024
doi: 10.61186/mi.5.1.130
15. The Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being and Autonomy in Young People According to Age
Ángel De-Juanas, Teresita Bernal Romero, Rosa Goig
Frontiers in Psychology vol: 11 year: 2020
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.559976
16. Predicting Psychological Well-Being and Psychological Cohesion Based on Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Strategies with the Mediating Role of Resilience of the Women on the Verge of Divorce in Isfahan City in 2023: A Descriptive Study
Ardeshir Holakoie, Armin Mahmoodi, Alireza Maredpour
Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences vol: 22 issue: 10 first page: 1053 year: 2024
doi: 10.61186/jrums.22.10.1053
17. Recommendations for Assessment of Environmental Exposures in Longitudinal Life Course Studies Such as the National Children's Study
Susan Marie Viet, Michael Dellarco, Edith Chen, Thomas McDade, Elaine Faustman, Sean Brachvogel, Marissa Smith, Rosalind Wright
Frontiers in Pediatrics vol: 9 year: 2021
doi: 10.3389/fped.2021.629487
18. Emotional Intelligence, Adjustment, Media and Technology Usage, and Gender as Predictors of Psychological Well-being Amongst Undergraduate University Students
Emma Nicole Lomberg, Jacques Jordaan
Sage Open vol: 14 issue: 2 year: 2024
doi: 10.1177/21582440241256539
19. STUDI KESEJAHTERAAN PSIKOLOGIS PADA MASA PANDEMIC COVID-19
Shania Dea Menany Soputan, Mulawarman Mulawarman
Counsenesia Indonesian Journal Of Guidance and Counseling vol: 2 issue: 1 first page: 41 year: 2021
doi: 10.36728/cijgc.v2i1.1434
20. The Effect of an Antifragility Enhancement Workshop on the Coping Self‐Efficacy, Mental Toughness, and Psychological Well‐Being of Naval Personnel
Charles H. Van Wijk, Pinky Z. Majola
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research vol: 25 issue: 4 year: 2025
doi: 10.1002/capr.70043
21. The relationship between parent-child triangulation and early adolescent depression in Hong Kong: The mediating roles of self-acceptance, positive relations and personal growth
Sylvia Y.C.L. Kwok, Minmin Gu, Pasyn Synchaisuksawat, Wikki W.K. Wong
Children and Youth Services Review vol: 109 first page: 104676 year: 2020
doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104676
22. The children’s worlds psychological well-being scale: Adaptation and fit in the Indonesian context
Ihsana Sabriani Borualogo, Ferran Casas
Cogent Psychology vol: 9 issue: 1 year: 2022
doi: 10.1080/23311908.2022.2053377
23. The Association Between Social Connectedness and Psychological Well‐Being Among International Students: Social Support Moderates the Mediating Effects of Loneliness and Perceived Stress
Lingjie Tang, Chang'an Zhang, Yu Cui
Psychology in the Schools vol: 62 issue: 5 first page: 1434 year: 2025
doi: 10.1002/pits.23405
24. THE BACK BURNER: EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, RESILIENCE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AS A PREDICTOR ON PROMOTING STUDENTS MENTAL HEALTH
Mehboob Ul Hassan, Intzar Hussain Butt
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews vol: 9 issue: 3 first page: 808 year: 2021
doi: 10.18510/hssr.2021.9379
25. A multilevel approach for workplace counselling in industrial psychology: A decade of progress
Lené I. Graupner
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology vol: 51 year: 2025
doi: 10.4102/SAJIP.v51i0.2362