USE OF OTHER-REPORTS TO VALIDATE SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING MEASURES

Level of agreement between self-reports and other-reports obtained fro m a large two-wave study of older adults was examined. Various measure s of subjective well-being (affect, happiness, and life satisfaction) and behavioral manifestations (smoking and sleep quality) were assesse d. Results indicate that the SWB measures were highly stable over a 9- month period, and that good agreement between the self-and other-repor ts was found for the SWB measures. In addition, SWB was related to beh avioral manifestations and that these ratings were corroborated throug h the other-reports. This study furthers the support for the reliabili ty of SWB over time and advances the criterion validity of SWB measure s through use of collateral assessments.