Alarcón’s Happiness Scale in Peruvian Young Adults

Vasquez A.R.; Rivas Y.M.C.; Flores E.G.P.; Porras F.R.E.; Marín S.S.I.; Silva L.A.A.; Calderon V.E.H. · Revista del Hospital Psiquiatrico de la Habana (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: Happiness is a fundamental and transversal aspect in human development, recognized as a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, there is a persistent challenge in accessing valid and reliable measurement instruments to effectively assess happiness. Objective: Assess the validity and reliability of Alarcón’s happiness scale in Peru. Method: This psychometric study used an instrumental design. The target population consisted of 1500 people living in Piura. A sample of 211 young adults was selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Data were analyzed using the statistical packages JASP and SPSS-27. Results: Two alternative models were evaluated: one with three factors and the other with two factors. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed an optimal fit for both models, with CFI and TLI indices of 0.92, and RMSEA and SRMR values below 0.070. In addition, evidence of convergent validity was found, since a significant relationship was observed between the scale and resilience (r = - 0.34, p < 0.01) and sense of life (r = 0.14, p < 0.05). The reliability of the instrument was satisfactory, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.81. Conclusions: The happiness scale used is valid and reliable to evaluate well-being in young adults in Peru. It provides significant data supporting its use in future research and psychological intervention programs. © (2025), (Ministerio de Salud Publica). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego; Universidad Nacional de Frontera; Universidad César Vallejo; Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo