Author(s)

Raul Calderon Jr.^1*, GunDo Kim², Chadchom Ratsameemonthon³, Suporntip Pupanead⁴

¹Faculty of Sports Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
²Department of Sports & Leisure Studies, College of Healthcare & Biotechnology, Semyung University, Jecheon, South Korea.
³Department of English, Didyasarin International College, Songkhla, Thailand.
⁴Faculty of Education and Development Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Kasetsart University, Kam-phaeng Saen Campus, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

Psychological well-being plays a significant role in the prevention of chronic diseases. Southeast Asian countries could prevent a rise in chronic diseases by having access to reliable and valid tools to study psychological well-being and its impact on disease prevention. The Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB) is a leading instrument for measuring psychological well-being and has been used in research in many countries. However, in Thailand, little research exists on psychological well-being and its relation to health and disease because versions of the RSPWB have not been translated and validated for the Thai population. This study aimed to assess the adaptation of a 54-item Thai version of the RSPWB. A research questionnaire, which included the 54-item RSPWB was translated, piloted, and completed by 1122 Thai undergraduate students. Analyses included the use of partial least squares, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)—a second-generation statistical technique for testing complex path models. Results showed a PLS-SEM measurement model with 23-items demonstrating good convergent and discriminant validity and reliability. The PLS-SEM structural model showed significant positive path coefficients from six factors (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, personal growth, positive relations with others, and self-acceptance) to the second-order factor of psychological well-being. Moreover, the 23-item Thai version supported the same six-factor structure of the original RSPWB. In conclusion, the adapted 23-item Thai version is shorter in length, easy to administer, has robust psychometric properties, and helps to fill the current lack of reliable and valid psychological well-being instruments available in Thai. Lastly, this study provides a model for other Southeast Asian countries to translate, pilot, and adapt the RSPWB into their local languages, which might help to facilitate further research in psychological well-being and its association with chronic diseases and health promotion.

PLS-SEM, Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being, Thailand, Students, Validation

Calderon Jr., R. , Kim, G. , Ratsameemonthon, C. and Pupanead, S. (2020) Assessing the Adaptation of a Thai Version of the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being: A PLS-SEM Approach. Psychology, 11, 1037-1053. doi: 10.4236/psych.2020.117068.