Background
Enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives lies at the core of positive psychology. Due to the absence of a definition and operationalization of fulfillment, we developed a theoretical model and defined fulfillment as a multidimensional construct encompassing affective fulfillment as composed of low-arousal positive affect and cognitive fulfillment, conceptualized by sources of fulfillment and criteria for fulfillment.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
We outlined and tested our theoretical model and developed and evaluated an instrument to measure a fulfilled life.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
This presentation describes the construction of the Fulfilled Life Scale (FLS) in two studies (Study 1: N= 185 and Study 2: N = 260).
Design
In Study 1, we used hierarchical factor analyses to investigate the structure of the cognitive facets in order to determine the number of components. Besides a general factor for cognitive fulfillment, a three-factor solution appeared optimal. Based on exploratory factor analyses we created provisional scales with an equal number of items to capture the three cognitive components, a cognitive component in total, and an affective component.
Results
As expected, the three cognitive components were positively correlated and all scales showed high internal consistency. In Study 2, we replicated the factor structure of the Fulfilled Life Scale (FLS) in a new sample and found evidence for construct validity. The FLS has initial psychometric support and its possible applications will be discussed.
Scientific Contribution
Our conceptual clarification and the availability of a measure pave the way for further investigations to establish a scientific foundation on fulfillment in life.