Adapting the Ryff scales of psychological well-being: a 28-item Vietnamese version for university students

Background: Research in psychological well-being and correlates to general health have blossomed in the last 20-25 years. However, a dearth of research exists in health and psychological well-being of Vietnamese populations partially due to a lack of valid and reliable research instruments available in the Vietnamese language. Purpose: This study aimed to produce a valid and reliable research instrument in Vietnamese to assess the psychological well-being of university students. Methods: The 54-item Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB), a widely used and validated instrument, was chosen as the instrument of choice. A research questionnaire, which included the RSPWB, was translated and completed by 253 Vietnamese undergraduate students (18-27 yrs. of age). Analyses included the use of partial least squares, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)--a second generation statistical technique for testing complex path models, to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 54 items. Results: The PLS-SEM analyses produced a multidimensional model with 6 factors (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, personal growth, positive relations with others, and self-acceptance) and 28-items that demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity and reliability. Moreover, the 28-item Vietnamese version of the RSPWB supported the same multidimensional six-factor structure as proposed in the original RSPWB. Conclusion: The adapted 28-item Vietnamese version of the RSPWB helps to fill a current gap of available research instruments for advancing the current understanding of psychological well-being and relationships to health in Vietnamese university students.