THE STRUCTURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING REVISITED

A theoretical model of psychological well-being that encompasses 6 dis tinct dimensions of wellness (Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, Persona l Growth, Positive Relations With Others, Purpose in Life, Self-Accept ance) was tested with data from a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 1,108), aged 25 and older, who participated in telephone i nterviews. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the propo sed 6-factor model, with a single second-order super factor. The model was superior in fit over single-factor and other artifactual models. Age and sex differences on the various well-being dimensions replicate d prior findings. Comparisons with other frequently used indicators (p ositive and negative affect, life satisfaction) demonstrated that the latter neglect key aspects of positive functioning emphasized in theor ies of health and well-being.