Satisfaction With Life Scale [+PDF & Free Tool]

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) assesses a person’s overall satisfaction with life as a whole. It focuses on the cognitive component of Subjective Well-Being (SWB), offering an integrated judgment of how individuals perceive their lives.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) consists of 5 items, each rated on a 7-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Agree. This simple scale allows individuals to evaluate and weigh various life domains in a way that feels most relevant to them, without focusing on specific areas. 

To calculate your score, simply sum the ratings for all five items. The total score reflects your overall life satisfaction, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. The SWLS allows individuals to evaluate their life as a whole, weighing different aspects in a way that is personally meaningful.

Download The Satisfaction of Life Scale

Word (Editable Version, Self-Scoring) | PDF (Printable Version) | Excel (Editable Version, Automatic Scoring)

Interpretation of Scores

If You Scored 30 and Above

You are highly satisfied with your life. Individuals in this range love their lives and feel that things are going very well. While life may not be perfect, they enjoy the challenges they face. For most, life is enjoyable, and major domains—such as work or school, family, friends, leisure, and personal development—are thriving.

If You Scored Between 25 to 29

You are quite satisfied with your life. People in this range like their lives and feel things are going well overall. Although life isn’t perfect, they may find motivation in the areas where they are less satisfied.

If You Scored Between 20 to 24

Your score falls within the average life satisfaction range for individuals in economically developed nations. People in this range are generally satisfied but may identify specific areas for improvement. This is a normal and common part of striving to enhance one’s life circumstances.

If You Scored Between 15 to 19

You may be experiencing significant challenges in several areas of your life or substantial problems in one particular domain. If this is due to recent events, your satisfaction level might improve over time. However, if these feelings have persisted for a long period, it may be time to consider making changes. Seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counsellor could be beneficial.

If You Scored 14 and Below

You are quite dissatisfied with your life. If this dissatisfaction stems from recent events, your feelings may improve as time passes. However, if this sense of unhappiness has persisted over a long period, it could indicate the need for significant life changes. Certain areas, such as work or relationships, may not be going well. Reaching out to a friend, family member, or professional counsellor can provide the support needed to navigate these challenges.

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At Sofia Wellness, our professional counsellors are committed to helping you enhance your overall life satisfaction. Through personalised counselling and therapy sessions, we address the challenges that may be holding you back, empowering you to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Our holistic approach includes evidence-based techniques, compassionate support, and tailored strategies to help you navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence!

Key References 

Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larson, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49, 71-75