The satisfaction with life scale and the well-being index WHO-5 in young Peruvians: a network analysis

The main objective of this study is to calculate the structure of a network of elements of life satisfaction and emotional well-being in young Peruvians, through network analysis, using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Well-Being Index WHO-5. A total of 414 university students between the ages of 18 and 27 (M = 22.18; SD = 2.57) participated. The results show that network analysis offers new avenues for exploring the dimensionality of complex constructs, concluding that the SWLS and WHO-5 represent distinct but related dimensions of subjective well-being. In addition, the items linked to the global judgement of satisfaction with one’s own life and with the activation of the arousal level stand out for their relevance in the network. Finally, some differences in network connectivity according to sex are highlighted, which merit further research.