Satisfaction With Life Scale in American Sign Language: Validation and Normative Data

Authors

Josephine F. Wilson, Wright State University - Boonshoft School of MedicineFollow
Jared Embree, Wright State University- Boonshoft School of MedicineFollow
Deb Guthmann, Wright State University - Boonshoft School of MedicineFollow
Steven R. Sligar, East Carolina UniversityFollow
Janet C. Titus, Wright State University - Boonshoft School of MedicineFollow
Kathryn C. Taylor, Wright State University - Boonshoft School of MedicineFollow

Subject Area

Counseling, Education, Health Care, Psychology, Public Policy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work

Abstract

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a brief instrument that assesses a person’s global life satisfaction. Using state-of-the-science techniques, the SWLS was translated into American Sign Language (ASL). A national sample of 350 deaf and hard of hearing individuals who preferentially use ASL completed the ASL version of the SWLS (SWLS-ASL) online. The individuals in this sample had a mean SWLS score of 23.4, well within the range of mean scores reported for samples from general populations of hearing individuals. No significant differences were identified in SWLS-ASL scores due to gender, cultural identification (identified as culturally Deaf or not), race, ethnicity, education, or employment status.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, J. F., Embree, J., Guthmann, D., Sligar, S. R., Titus, J. C., & Taylor, K. C. (2020). Satisfaction With Life Scale in American Sign Language: Validation and Normative Data. JADARA, 53(3), 1-10. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/jadara/vol53/iss3/1