Development and Validation of Happiness Scale in Iranian Society

The aim of present study was developing and validating of Happiness Scale in Iranian Society. The method was a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. At first, In order to explore the Happiness components, a qualitative (Phenomenological (method was employed. 58 participants were selected through maximum variation sampling of people aged 18-65 in Tehran and Karaj. A semi-structured interview was used for data gathering. Qualitative data analysis was performed by using Colaizzi method. The qualitative results showed that providing the basic needs of life and welfare, emotions and feelings, relationships, achieving life goals, spiritual values, abilities and personal characteristics, choice and health were as 8 themes of happiness. Then, for each of the themes extracted from the qualitative analysis, items were made. The developed scale was conducted in a sample of 500 people aged 18-65 years who were selected by targeted sampling from different regions in Tehran and Karaj. The Chronbach’s alpha coefficient for scale was 0.92. The correlation coefficient of the happiness Scale with oxford happiness (r= 0/74) and orientation to life Scale (r= 0/69) was positive and significant and with beck depression (r= -0/62) was negative and significant. The results indicated the happiness Scale can be considered as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring happiness in Iranian society.