Development and Psychometric Study of the Academic Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS) in a Higher Education Students Sample

This study aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of the self-administered academic life satisfaction scale (ALSS) in a Portuguese sample of undergraduate students. An instrument development design process and psychometric study was performed. The data were collected between October and December 2016 in Lisbon campuses. The content and face validity analysis were performed by using a focus group. The ALSS´s psychometric study was performed on a 500-undergraduate student's convenience sample. The participants were invited to fill out an online questionnaire: sociodemographic data; one self-perception question about academic performance; and the ALSS. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cronbach's α internal consistency was performed. The reliability, verified through internal consistency, showed to be adequate (Cronbach's α =0.80). A two-dimensions structure construct validity was established by PCA, explaining 42.90% of total variance. The criterion validity was demonstrated by positive significative correlations between ALSS academic self-perception performance. The ALSS is a valid, reliable and very brief selfresponse instrument that is now available to measure academic life satisfaction among Portuguese students. It can be used to support more accurate health promotion programs in the campuses to improve student´s academic success, wellbeing and mental health.