Reliability Generalization of the Life Satisfaction Index

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine score reliability for a measure of life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Index [LSI]). This reliability generalization comprised a search of 157 journal articles, which resulted in the inclusion of a total of 34 samples. Results revealed an average reliability of .79 ( SD = .10, median = .79). Bivariate correlational analyses revealed no relationships between score reliability and various sample characteristics, including sample size, number of items, mean age, standard deviation of age, proportion female, mean LSI score, and standard deviation of LSI scores. No significant differences in score reliability were found by language of administration or sample type. These analyses provide evidence for adequate reliability of LSI scores across a variety of sample characteristics; however, they must be interpreted with caution, given the small sample size. In addition, this study documents the poor reporting of psychometric properties in the LSI literature.