Scale-Description

The Orientations to Happiness Scale (OTH) was developed by Martin Seligman and his colleagues to measure the three different approaches to happiness that individuals can pursue:

Pleasure: This approach focuses on enjoyment and sensory experiences, seeking joy and pleasure in everyday life.

Engagement: It is based on full involvement in activities that the individual finds interesting and absorbing, achieving a state of “flow.”

Meaning: This involves the pursuit of a higher purpose or meaning in life, connecting oneself with something greater than oneself, such as religion, family, or community.

The questionnaire consists of items that evaluate how frequently or intensely participants experience these approaches in their daily lives.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data from the OTH scale are collected through questionnaires that are typically scored on a Likert scale (e.g., from 1 – “not at all” to 5 – “very often”). The data can be analyzed using statistical methods such as:

Factor analysis to confirm the existence of the three approaches to happiness.

Reliability analysis to estimate the internal consistency of the subscales.

Correlation analysis to examine the relationship between different orientations to happiness and other psychological variables, such as mental well-being, life satisfaction, or stress levels.

The results of the analysis can be used in research settings to understand how different approaches to happiness relate to psychological health and well-being.

Purpose

The goal of the Orientations to Happiness Scale (OTH) is to measure the different approaches individuals use to achieve happiness and well-being. This allows for an understanding of how people:

Approach happiness through pleasurable experiences.

Experience happiness through full engagement in activities.

Seek meaning in their lives.

Understanding these orientations can help develop interventions aimed at improving mental health and quality of life.

Calibration

The calibration of the OTH scale involves:

Reliability analysis by calculating Cronbach’s alpha to determine the internal consistency of the subscales (Pleasure, Engagement, Meaning).

Confirmatory factor analysis to validate the three-factor structure of the scale.

Cross-validation in different populations and cultural contexts to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale.

Bibliography

Seligman, M. E. P., Parks, A. C., & Steen, T. (2004). A balanced psychology and a full life. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 359(1449), 1379-1381.

Peterson, C., Park, N., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2005). Orientations to happiness and life satisfaction: The full life versus the empty life. Journal of Happiness Studies, 6(1), 25-41.

Vella-Brodrick, D. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2009). Three ways to be happy: Pleasure, engagement, and meaning—Findings from Australian and US samples. Social Indicators Research, 90(2), 165-179.