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Convergent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in Working Adults

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Abstract

This study aimed to test the convergent validity and test–retest reliability of a measure of happiness questionnaire; the authentic happiness inventory questionnaire (AHI), with a convenience sample of working adults (n = 30). Participants completed the AHI on two consecutive days. On the second day, participants also completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the positive and negative affect scale (PANAS). Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach alpha coefficients, test–retest reliability using a one-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model, and convergent validity using Pearson product-moment correlations. A further sample of working adults (n = 192) was included to conduct an exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis (total n = 222). High internal consistency and overall test–retest reliability for the AHI was found (Cronbach alpha = .92 and ICC = .92, p < .001). There was a strong positive correlation between AHI and SWLS (r = .76, p < .005) and AHI and PANAS positive (r = .82, p < .005). There was a medium negative correlation between AHI and PANAS (r = .48, p < .005). Principal components analysis revealed the presence of five components with eigenvalues exceeding one, with one factor explaining 36.1 % of the variance. Findings confirmed the convergent validity and test retest reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in working adults.

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Acknowledgments

The lead author acknowledges the financial support of the Brief Interventions Project with the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research through a Masters’ thesis scholarship. At the time of writing, MO was supported by a National Heart Foundation of New Zealand postgraduate research fellowship. There is no financial conflict of interest associated with this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

    Janine Shepherd, Melody Oliver & Grant Schofield

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  1. Janine Shepherd
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  2. Melody Oliver
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  3. Grant Schofield
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Correspondence to Melody Oliver.

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Shepherd, J., Oliver, M. & Schofield, G. Convergent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in Working Adults. Soc Indic Res 124, 1049–1058 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-014-0812-6

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