Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (PWB)

Carol D. Ryff, PhD

University of Wisconsin- Madison
Institute on Aging
2245 Medical Science Center
1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: (608) 262-1818
Fax: (608) 263-6211
Email: cryff@wisc.edu

This document provides definitions and items for six scales of psychological well-being.

There is no charge for using the scales, although users are requested to send copies
of any publications generated with the scales to Dr. Ryff (contact info above).

Psychometric Properties:

 Below are items for six 14-item scales of psychological well-being (6 x 14 = 84 items total)
constructed to measure the dimensions of autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth,
positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Internal consistency (alpha)
coefficients are indicated on each scale. Correlations of each scale with its own 20-item parent scale
are also provided. (Note, embedded within the 14-item scales are shorter options (e.g., 9-item
scales, 7-item scales, 3-item scales).

 Reliability and validity assessments of the 20-item parent scales are detailed in:
Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological
well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069-1081. doi:10.1037/0022-
3514.57.6.1069

 Psychometric properties of the 3-item scales are detailed in:

Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. M. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of
Personality & Social Psychology, 69(4), 719-727. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.69.4.719

 The article below reviews psychometric properties of various length scales:

Ryff, C. D. (2014). Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of
eudaimonia. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10-28. doi:10.1159/000353263
Interpretation of Scores:

 There are no specific scores or cut-points for defining high or low well-being. Those distinctions can
be derived from distributional information from the data collected. For example, high well-being
could refer to scores in the top 25% (quartile) of the distribution, whereas low well-being could be
scores in the bottom 25% (quartile) of the distribution. Another alternative is to define high well-
being as scores that are 1.5 standard deviations above the mean, whereas low well-being is scores
that are 1.5 standard deviations below the mean.

 To obtain an overall psychological well-being score, scores on individual scales can be combined into
a composite score, which could be interpreted following the above guidelines.

 It is possible to use only some of the six dimensions of well-being that are meaningfully connected
to the research questions of a particular study.

Response Format and Reverse Scoring:

 To create the overall assessment scale, items from the separate scales are mixed by putting them in
alphabetical order by scale name and then taking one item from each scale successively into a
continuous self-report instrument.

 Response formats: strongly disagree (1), disagree somewhat (2), disagree slightly (3), agree slightly
(4), agree somewhat (5), strongly agree (6).

 Responses to negatively scored items (─) are reversed in the final scoring procedures so that high
scores indicate high self-ratings on the dimension assessed. That is, negatively worded items are
flipped so that a "6" (Strongly Agree) is recoded as a "1", “5” is recoded as a “2,” and so on.

 In MIDUS the response options are reversed: The 7-item scales were included in MIDUS (Midlife in
the United States) at the 2nd wave. This national study can be consulted for comparative
information, but note the following differences. In MIDUS a response of strongly agree corresponds
to (1), agree somewhat corresponds to (2) and so on. MIDUS also includes a mid-scale response of
neither agree or disagree (4). Thus, the full MIDUS response options are: strongly agree (1), agree
somewhat (2), agree slightly (3), neither agree or disagree (4), disagree slightly (5), disagree
somewhat (6), strongly disagree (7). Given this scoring scheme, it is the positively-worded items that
are reverse-coded, whereas in the above scoring scheme negatively-worded items are reverse-
coded. Both approaches are correct – the difference is what items get reverse-coded. Information
about MIDUS can be found at:
http://www.midus.wisc.edu/findings/index.php
http://midus.colectica.org
Length Options: Items to Include for Each Option:

The 14-item scales (84 items total)

Autonomy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14
Environmental Mastery: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14
Personal Growth: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14
Positive Relations With Others: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14
Purpose In Life: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14
Self-Acceptance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14

The 9-item scales (54 items total)

Autonomy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14
Environmental Mastery: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 14
Personal Growth: 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14
Positive Relations With Others: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12
Purpose In Life: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Self-Acceptance: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13

The 7-item scales (42 items total)

Autonomy: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14
Environmental Mastery : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14
Personal Growth: 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13
Positive Relations With Others: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12
Purpose In Life: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11
Self-Acceptance: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13

The 3-item scales (18 items total). Note, this highly condensed form is not recommended because it has
psychometric problems and does not do a good job of covering the content of the six well-being
constructs.
Autonomy: 6, 9, 14
Environmental Mastery: 1, 2, 4
Personal Growth: 5, 11, 13
Positive Relations With Others: 2, 9, 10
Purpose In Life: 2, 10, 11
Self-Acceptance: 1, 5, 7

Formatted Questionnaires:

 Formatted instruments that can be used with your study population are included below for the 84-
item and the 42-item scale.

 For other lengths, the 84-item version can be modified. We do not have other formatted versions to
send out.

Studies that Have Used the Scales:

 A list of publications that have used the scales is provided in a separate file. These can be consulted
to provide additional information about the measures not included here.
 AUTONOMY
Definition: High Scorer: Is self-determining and independent; able to resist social pressures to think and act
in certain ways; regulates behavior from within; evaluates self by personal standards.

Low Scorer: Is concerned about the expectations and evaluations of others; relies on judgments
of others to make important decisions; conforms to social pressures to think and act in certain
ways.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- AUTONOMY
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
1. Sometimes I change the way I act or think to be more like those
1 ─
around me.
2. I am not afraid to voice my opinions, even when they are in
7 + X X
opposition to the opinions of most people.
3. My decisions are not usually influenced by what everyone else is
13 + X X
doing.
19 ─ X X 4. I tend to worry about what other people think of me.
5. Being happy with myself is more important to me than having others
25 + X
approve of me.
31 ─ X X X 6. I tend to be influenced by people with strong opinions.
37 + 7. People rarely talk me into doing things I don't want to do.
8. It is more important to me to "fit in" with others than to stand alone
43 ─
on my principles.
9. I have confidence in my opinions, even if they are contrary to the
49 + X X X
general consensus.
10. It's difficult for me to voice my own opinions on controversial
55 ─ X X
matters.
11. I often change my mind about decisions if my friends or family
61 ─ X
disagree.
12. I am not the kind of person who give in to social pressures to think or
67 + X
act in certain ways.
13. I am concerned about how other people evaluate the choices I have
73 ─
made in my life.
14. I judge myself by what I think is important, not by the values of what
79 + X X X
others think is important.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .83

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .97
 ENVIRONMENTAL MASTERY
Definition: High Scorer: Has a sense of mastery and competence in managing the environment; controls
complex array of external activities; makes effective use of surrounding opportunities; able to
choose or create contexts suitable to personal needs and values.

Low Scorer: Has difficulty managing everyday affairs; feels unable to change or improve
surrounding context; is unaware of surrounding opportunities; lacks sense of control over
external world.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- ENVIRONMENTAL MASTERY
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
2 + X X X 1. In general, I feel I am in charge of the situation in which I live.
8 ─ X X X 2. The demands of everyday life often get me down.
14 ─ X X 3. I do not fit very well with the people and the community around me.
20 + X X X 4. I am quite good at managing the many responsibilities of my daily life.
26 ─ X X 5. I often feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities.
6. If I were unhappy with my living situation, I would take effective steps
32 +
to change it.
7. I generally do a good job of taking care of my personal finances and
38 + X
affairs.
8. I find it stressful that I can't keep up with all of the things I have to do
44 ─
each day.
9. I am good at juggling my time so that I can fit everything in that needs
50 + X
to get done.
10. My daily life is busy, but I derive a sense of satisfaction from keeping
56 +
up with everything.
11. I get frustrated when trying to plan my daily activities because I never
62 ─
accomplish the things I set out to do.
12. My efforts to find the kinds of activities and relationships that I need
68 +
have been quite successful.
74 ─ X X 13. I have difficulty arranging my life in a way that is satisfying to me.
14. I have been able to build a home and a lifestyle for myself that is
80 + X X
much to my liking.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .86

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .98
 PERSONAL GROWTH
Definition: High Scorer: Has a feeling of continued development; sees self as growing and expanding; is
open to new experiences; has sense of realizing his or her potential; sees improvement in self
and behavior over time; is changing in ways that reflect more self-knowledge and effectiveness.

Low Scorer: Has a sense of personal stagnation; lacks sense of improvement or expansion over
time; feels bored and uninterested with life; feels unable to develop new attitudes or behaviors.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- PERSONAL GROWTH
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
3 ─ X X 1. I am not interested in activities that will expand my horizons.
2. In general, I feel that I continue to learn more about myself as time
9 +
goes by.
15 + 3. I am the kind of person who likes to give new things a try.
4. I don't want to try new ways of doing things--my life is fine the way it
21 ─ X
is.
5. I think it is important to have new experiences that challenge how
27 + X X X
you think about yourself and the world.
6. When I think about it, I haven't really improved much as a person
33 ─ X X
over the years.
7. In my view, people of every age are able to continue growing and
39 +
developing.
8. With time, I have gained a lot of insight about life that has made me a
45 +
stronger, more capable person.
51 + X X 9. I have the sense that I have developed a lot as a person over time.
10. I do not enjoy being in new situations that require me to change my
57 ─ X X
old familiar ways of doing things.
11. For me, life has been a continuous process of learning, changing, and
63 + X X X
growth.
12. I enjoy seeing how my views have changed and matured over the
69 +
years.
13. I gave up trying to make big improvements or changes in my life a
75 ─ X X X
long time ago.
81 ─ X 14. There is truth to the saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .85

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .97
 POSITIVE RELATIONS WITH OTHERS
Definition: High Scorer: Has warm satisfying, trusting relationships with others; is concerned about the
welfare of others; capable of strong empathy, affection, and intimacy; understands give and
take of human relationships.

Low Scorer: Has few close, trusting relationships with others; finds it difficult to be warm, open,
and concerned about others; is isolated and frustrated in interpersonal relationships; not willing
to make compromises to sustain important ties with others.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- POSITIVE RELATIONS WITH OTHERS
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
4 + X X 1. Most people see me as loving and affectionate.
2. Maintaining close relationships has been difficult and frustrating for
10 ─ X X X
me
3. I often feel lonely because I have few close friends with whom to
16 ─ X X
share my concerns.
4. I enjoy personal and mutual conversations with family members or
22 + X X
friends.
5. It is important to me to be a good listener when close friends talk to
28 +
me about their problems.
34 ─ X 6. I don't have many people who want to listen when I need to talk.
40 + 7. I feel like I get a lot out of my friendships.
46 ─ X 8. It seems to me that most other people have more friends than I do.
9. People would describe me as a giving person, willing to share my time
52 + X X X
with others.
10. I have not experienced many warm and trusting relationships with
58 ─ X X X
others.
11. I often feel like I'm on the outside looking in when it comes to
64 ─
friendships.
70 + X X 12. I know that I can trust my friends, and they know they can trust me.
76 ─ 13. I find it difficult to really open up when I talk with others.
82 + 14. My friends and I sympathize with each other's problems.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .88

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .98
 PURPOSE IN LIFE
Definition: High Scorer: Has goals in life and a sense of directedness; feels there is meaning to present and
past life; holds beliefs that give life purpose; has aims and objectives for living.

Low Scorer: Lacks a sense of meaning in life; has few goals or aims, lacks sense of direction;
does not see purpose of past life; has no outlook or beliefs that give life meaning.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- PURPOSE IN LIFE
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
1. I feel good when I think of what I've done in the past and what I hope
5 +
to do in the future.
11 ─ X X X 2. I live life one day at a time and don't really think about the future.
3. I tend to focus on the present, because the future nearly always
17 ─ X
brings me problems.
23 + X 4. I have a sense of direction and purpose in life.
29 ─ X X 5. My daily activities often seem trivial and unimportant to me.
35 ─ X X 6. I don't have a good sense of what it is I'm trying to accomplish in life.
41 ─ X 7. I used to set goals for myself, but that now seems like a waste of time.
8. I enjoy making plans for the future and working to make them a
47 + X X
reality.
53 + X 9. I am an active person in carrying out the plans I set for myself.
59 + X X X 10. Some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them.
65 ─ X X X 11. I sometimes feel as if I've done all there is to do in life.
12. My aims in life have been more a source of satisfaction than
71 +
frustration to me.
77 + 13. I find it satisfying to think about what I have accomplished in life.
83 ─ 14. In the final analysis, I'm not so sure that my life adds up to much.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .88

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .98
 SELF-ACCEPTANCE
Definition: High Scorer: Possesses a positive attitude toward the self; acknowledges and accepts multiple
aspects of self, including good and bad qualities; feels positive about past life.

Low Scorer: Feels dissatisfied with self; is disappointed with what has occurred in past life; is
troubled about certain personal qualities; wishes to be different than what he or she is.

# in Use Use Use

Positive
84-item in in in
or
formatted
Negative
9- 7- 3- SELF-ACCEPTANCE
version item item item
Scoring
below Scale Scale Scale
1. When I look at the story of my life, I am pleased with how things have
6 + X X X
turned out.
12 + X X 2. In general, I feel confident and positive about myself.
3. I feel like many of the people I know have gotten more out of life than
18 ─ X X
I have.
4. Given the opportunity, there are many things about myself that I
24 ─
would change.
30 + X X X 5. I like most aspects of my personality.
6. I made some mistakes in the past, but I feel that all in all everything
36 + X
has worked out for the best
42 ─ X X X 7. In many ways, I feel disappointed about my achievements in life.
48 + 8. For the most part, I am proud of who I am and the life I lead.
54 ─ 9. I envy many people for the lives they lead.
10. My attitude about myself is probably not as positive as most people
60 ─ X X
feel about themselves.
11. Many days I wake up feeling discouraged about how I have lived my
66 ─
life.
12. The past had its ups and downs, but in general, I wouldn't want to
72 + X
change it.
13. When I compare myself to friends and acquaintances, it makes me
78 + X X
feel good about who I am.
14. Everyone has their weaknesses, but I seem to have more than my
84 ─
share.

Internal consistency (coefficient alpha) = .91

Correlation with 20-item parent scale = .99
 Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (PWB) • 84 Item Version Formatted

Scales & Items:

Items shaded grey (# 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 54, 55,
57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75, 76, 81, 83, 84) should be reverse scored:

Items in that Scale

Six Scales:
(in the questionnaire below):
Autonomy 1 7 13 19 25 31 37 43 49 55 61 67 73 79
Environmental Mastery 2 8 14 20 26 32 38 44 50 56 62 68 74 80
Personal Growth 3 9 15 21 27 33 39 45 51 57 63 69 75 81
Positive Relations with Others 4 10 16 22 28 34 40 46 52 58 64 70 76 83
Purpose in Life 5 11 17 23 29 35 41 47 53 59 65 71 77 83
Self-Acceptance 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84

Formatted 84-Item Instrument:

The following set of questions deals with how you feel about yourself and your life. Please remember that there
are no right or wrong answers.

Circle the number that best describes

Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
1. Sometimes I change the way I act or
think to be more like those around
1 2 3 4 5 6
me.
2. In general, I feel I am in charge of the
1 2 3 4 5 6
situation in which I live.
3. I am not interested in activities that
1 2 3 4 5 6
will expand my horizons.
4. Most people see me as loving and
affectionate. 1 2 3 4 5 6
5. I feel good when I think of what I’ve
done in the past and what I hope to
1 2 3 4 5 6
do in the future.
6. When I look at the story of my life, I
am pleased with how things have
1 2 3 4 5 6
turned out.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
7. I am not afraid to voice my opinions,
even when they are in opposition to
1 2 3 4 5 6
the opinions of most people.
8. The demands of everyday life often
1 2 3 4 5 6
get me down.
9. In general, I feel that I continue to
learn more about myself as time goes 1 2 3 4 5 6
by.
10. Maintaining close relationships has
1 2 3 4 5 6
been difficult and frustrating for me.
11. I live life one day at a time and don’t
1 2 3 4 5 6
really think about the future.
12. In general, I feel confident and
1 2 3 4 5 6
positive about myself.
13. My decisions are not usually
influenced by what everyone else is 1 2 3 4 5 6
doing.
14. I do not fit very well with the people
1 2 3 4 5 6
and the community around me.
15. I am the kind of person who likes to
1 2 3 4 5 6
give new things a try.
16. I often feel lonely because I have few
close friends with whom to share my 1 2 3 4 5 6
concerns.
17. I tend to focus on the present,
because the future nearly always 1 2 3 4 5 6
brings me problems.
18. I feel like many of the people I know
have gotten more out of life than I 1 2 3 4 5 6
have.
19. I tend to worry about what other
1 2 3 4 5 6
people think of me.
20. I am quite good at managing the
1 2 3 4 5 6
many responsibilities of my daily life.
21. I don’t want to try new ways of doing
1 2 3 4 5 6
things - my life is fine the way it is.
22. I enjoy personal and mutual
conversations with family members 1 2 3 4 5 6
or friends.
23. I have a sense of direction and
1 2 3 4 5 6
purpose in life.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
24. Given the opportunity, there are
many things about myself that I 1 2 3 4 5 6
would change.
25. Being happy with myself is more
important to me than having others 1 2 3 4 5 6
approve of me.
26. I often feel overwhelmed by my
1 2 3 4 5 6
responsibilities.
27. I think it is important to have new
experiences that challenge how you 1 2 3 4 5 6
think about yourself and the world.
28. It is important to me to be a good
listener when close friends talk to me 1 2 3 4 5 6
about their problems.
29. My daily activities often seem trivial
1 2 3 4 5 6
and unimportant to me.
30. I like most aspects of my personality. 1 2 3 4 5 6
31. I tend to be influenced by people with
1 2 3 4 5 6
strong opinions.
32. If I were unhappy with my living
situation, I would take effective steps 1 2 3 4 5 6
to change it.
33. When I think about it, I haven’t really
improved much as a person over the 1 2 3 4 5 6
years.
34. I don’t have many people who want
1 2 3 4 5 6
to listen when I need to talk.
35. I don’t have a good sense of what it is
1 2 3 4 5 6
I’m trying to accomplish in life.
36. I made some mistakes in the past, but
I feel that all in all everything has 1 2 3 4 5 6
worked out for the best.
37. People rarely talk to me into doing
1 2 3 4 5 6
things I don’t want to do.
38. I generally do a good job of taking
care of my personal finances and 1 2 3 4 5 6
affairs.
39. In my view, people of every age are
able to continue growing and 1 2 3 4 5 6
developing.
40. I feel like I get a lot out of my
1 2 3 4 5 6
friendships.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
41. I used to set goals for myself, but that
1 2 3 4 5 6
now seems like a waste of time.
42. In many ways, I feel disappointed
1 2 3 4 5 6
about my achievements in life.
43. It is more important to me to “fit in”
with others than to stand alone on my 1 2 3 4 5 6
principles.
44. I find it stressful that I can’t keep up
with all of the things I have to do each 1 2 3 4 5 6
day.
45. With time, I have gained a lot of
insight about life that has made me a 1 2 3 4 5 6
stronger, more capable person.
46. It seems to me that most other
1 2 3 4 5 6
people have more friends than I do.
47. I enjoy making plans for the future
1 2 3 4 5 6
and working to make them a reality.
48. For the most part, I am proud of who I
1 2 3 4 5 6
am and the life I lead.
49. I have confidence in my opinions,
even if they are contrary to the 1 2 3 4 5 6
general consensus.
50. I am good at juggling my time so that I
can fit everything in that needs to be 1 2 3 4 5 6
done.
51. I have a sense that I have developed a
1 2 3 4 5 6
lot as a person over time.
52. People would describe me as a giving
person, willing to share my time with 1 2 3 4 5 6
others.
53. I am an active person in carrying out
1 2 3 4 5 6
the plans I set for myself.
54. I envy many people for the lives they
1 2 3 4 5 6
lead.
55. It’s difficult for me to voice my own
1 2 3 4 5 6
opinions on controversial matters.
56. My daily life is busy, but I derive a
sense of satisfaction from keeping up 1 2 3 4 5 6
with everything.
57. I do not enjoy being in new situations
that require me to change my old 1 2 3 4 5 6
familiar ways of doing things.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
58. I have not experienced many warm
1 2 3 4 5 6
and trusting relationships with others.
59. Some people wander aimlessly
through life, but I am not one of 1 2 3 4 5 6
them.
60. My attitude about myself is probably
not as positive as most people feel 1 2 3 4 5 6
about themselves.
61. I often change my mind about
decisions if my friends or family 1 2 3 4 5 6
disagree.
62. I get frustrated when trying to plan my
daily activities because I never 1 2 3 4 5 6
accomplish the things I set out to do.
63. For me, life has been a continuous
process of learning, changing, and 1 2 3 4 5 6
growth.
64. I often feel as if I’m on the outside
looking in when it comes to 1 2 3 4 5 6
friendships.
65. I sometimes feel as if I’ve done all
1 2 3 4 5 6
there is to do in life.
66. Many days I wake up feeling
discouraged about how I have lived 1 2 3 4 5 6
my life.
67. I am not the kind of person who gives
in to social pressures to think or act in 1 2 3 4 5 6
certain ways.
68. My efforts to find the kinds of
activities and relationships that I need 1 2 3 4 5 6
have been quite successful.
69. I enjoy seeing how my views have
1 2 3 4 5 6
changed and matured over the years.
70. I know that I can trust my friends, and
1 2 3 4 5 6
they know they can trust me.
71. My aims in life have been more a
source of satisfaction than frustration 1 2 3 4 5 6
to me.
72. The past had its ups and downs, but in
1 2 3 4 5 6
general, I wouldn’t want to change it.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or disagreement
disagree Somewhat Slightly slightly Somewhat agree
with each statement.
73. I am concerned about how other
people evaluate the choices I have 1 2 3 4 5 6
made in my life.
74. I have difficulty arranging my life in a
1 2 3 4 5 6
way that is satisfying to me.
75. I gave up trying to make big
improvements or changes in my life a 1 2 3 4 5 6
long time ago.
76. I find it difficult to really open up
1 2 3 4 5 6
when I talk with others.
77. I find it satisfying to think about what
1 2 3 4 5 6
I have accomplished in life.
78. When I compare myself to friends and
acquaintances, it makes me feel good 1 2 3 4 5 6
about who I am.
79. I judge myself by what I think is
important, not by the values of what 1 2 3 4 5 6
others think is important.
80. I have been able to build a home and
a lifestyle for myself that is much to 1 2 3 4 5 6
my liking.
81. There is truth to the saying that you
1 2 3 4 5 6
can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
82. My friends and I sympathize with
1 2 3 4 5 6
each other’s problems.
83. In the final analysis, I’m not so sure
1 2 3 4 5 6
that my life adds up to much.
84. Everyone has their weaknesses, but I
1 2 3 4 5 6
seem to have more than my share.
 Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (PWB) • 42 Item Version Formatted

Scales & Items:

Items shaded grey (# 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 41) should be
reverse scored:

Items in that Scale

Six Scales:
(in the questionnaire below):
Autonomy 1 7 13 19 25 31 37
Environmental Mastery 2 8 14 20 26 32 38
Personal Growth 3 9 15 21 27 33 39
Positive Relations with Others 4 10 16 22 28 34 40
Purpose in Life 5 11 17 23 29 35 41
Self-Acceptance 6 12 18 24 30 36 42

Formatted 42 Item Instrument:

The following set of questions deals with how you feel about yourself and your life. Please remember that there
are no right or wrong answers.

Circle the number that best describes

Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or
Disagree Somewhat Slightly Slightly Somewhat Agree
disagreement with each statement.
1. I am not afraid to voice my opinions,
even when they are in opposition to 1 2 3 4 5 6
the opinions of most people.
2. In general, I feel I am in charge of
the situation in which I live. 1 2 3 4 5 6
3. I am not interested in activities that
will expand my horizons. 1 2 3 4 5 6
4. Most people see me as loving and
affectionate. 1 2 3 4 5 6
5. I live life one day at a time and don’t
really think about the future. 1 2 3 4 5 6
6. When I look at the story of my life, I
am pleased with how things have 1 2 3 4 5 6
turned out.
7. My decisions are not usually
influenced by what everyone else is 1 2 3 4 5 6
doing.
8. The demands of everyday life often
get me down. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or
Disagree Somewhat Slightly Slightly Somewhat Agree
disagreement with each statement.
9. I think it is important to have new
experiences that challenge how you 1 2 3 4 5 6
think about yourself and the world.
10. Maintaining close relationships has
been difficult and frustrating for me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
11. I have a sense of direction and
purpose in life. 1 2 3 4 5 6
12. In general, I feel confident and
positive about myself. 1 2 3 4 5 6
13. I tend to worry about what other
people think of me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
14. I do not fit very well with the people
and the community around me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
15. When I think about it, I haven’t
really improved much as a person 1 2 3 4 5 6
over the years.
16. I often feel lonely because I have
few close friends with whom to 1 2 3 4 5 6
share my concerns.
17. My daily activities often seem trivial
and unimportant to me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
18. I feel like many of the people I know
have gotten more out of life than I 1 2 3 4 5 6
have.
19. I tend to be influenced by people
with strong opinions. 1 2 3 4 5 6
20. I am quite good at managing the
many responsibilities of my daily 1 2 3 4 5 6
life.
21. I have a sense that I have developed
a lot as a person over time. 1 2 3 4 5 6
22. I enjoy personal and mutual
conversations with family members 1 2 3 4 5 6
or friends.
23. I don’t have a good sense of what it
is I’m trying to accomplish in life. 1 2 3 4 5 6
24. I like most aspects of my 1 2 3 4 5 6
personality.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or
Disagree Somewhat Slightly Slightly Somewhat Agree
disagreement with each statement.
25. I have confidence in my opinions,
even if they are contrary to the 1 2 3 4 5 6
general consensus.
26. I often feel overwhelmed by my
responsibilities. 1 2 3 4 5 6
27. I do not enjoy being in new
situations that require me to change 1 2 3 4 5 6
my old familiar ways of doing things.
28. People would describe me as a
giving person, willing to share my 1 2 3 4 5 6
time with others.
29. I enjoy making plans for the future
and working to make them a reality. 1 2 3 4 5 6
30. In many ways, I feel disappointed
about my achievements in life. 1 2 3 4 5 6
31. It’s difficult for me to voice my own
opinions on controversial matters. 1 2 3 4 5 6
32. I have difficulty arranging my life in a
way that is satisfying to me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
33. For me, life has been a continuous
process of learning, changing, and 1 2 3 4 5 6
growth.
34. I have not experienced many warm
and trusting relationships with 1 2 3 4 5 6
others.
35. Some people wander aimlessly
through life, but I am not one of 1 2 3 4 5 6
them.
36. My attitude about myself is
probably not as positive as most 1 2 3 4 5 6
people feel about themselves.
37. I judge myself by what I think is
important, not by the values of what 1 2 3 4 5 6
others think is important.
38. I have been able to build a home
and a lifestyle for myself that is 1 2 3 4 5 6
much to my liking.
39. I gave up trying to make big
improvements or changes in my life 1 2 3 4 5 6
a long time ago.
Circle the number that best describes
Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly
your present agreement or
Disagree Somewhat Slightly Slightly Somewhat Agree
disagreement with each statement.
40. I know that I can trust my friends,
and they know they can trust me. 1 2 3 4 5 6
41. I sometimes feel as if I’ve done all
there is to do in life. 1 2 3 4 5 6

42. When I compare myself to friends

and acquaintances, it makes me feel 1 2 3 4 5 6
good about who I am.