Holistic Wellness Assessment for Young Adults

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop the Holistic Wellness Assessment (HWA) that incorporates conventional dimensions of wellness with a new dimension of wellness influencing young adults: financial wellness that is psychometrically sound and developmentally appropriate. Design of the study: The study design to establish the initial psychometrics of the HWA was the single-group design. The cross-sectional nature of this design allowed for the postclassification of the participants into different demographic groups facilitating comparisons of the instrument’s derived subscales. Method: From 5,075 university students, 2,090 participants completed an online 285-item HWA and 2,086 respondents provided demographic information. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of the HWA revealed eight dimensions: Self-Regard, Self-Awareness and Responsibility, Sustainability, Relational, Risk Prevention, Spirituality, Physical Health, and Health Care Maintenance. Findings: Four of the eight factors were consistent with existing models of wellness. Three new dimensions of wellness— Self-Regard, Self-Awareness and Responsibility, and Sustainability—emerged from the comprehensive item set that included financial wellness and will set the stage for the development and expansion of wellness models and theories. Conclusion: Initial psychometric analysis suggests that this instrument may prove useful in the young adult population for measuring wellness awareness curriculum and behavior change outcomes.