Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) | Measure Your Satisfaction in 5 Questions
We often get caught up in daily routines without really assessing how happy or fulfilled we feel. But measuring life satisfaction is important. That helps us understand where we stand and what changes we need to live a more fulfilling life. That’s where the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) comes in. In just five simple questions, you can get a clear picture of your overall satisfaction level. Whether you’re thriving, feeling stuck, or somewhere in between, this test can help you reflect and take action.
What Is The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)
The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was developed by Ed Diener and Sharon Griffin in 1985. Ed Diener, a renowned psychologist, is especially known for his work on happiness and subjective well-being. SWLS helps individuals assess how close their life is to their ideal, whether they have achieved what they want, and how content they feel with their experiences. This scale is widely used in psychology and well-being research to evaluate subjective happiness and satisfaction levels. Scale concludes with short, five-question survey. It provides a score ranging from 5 to 35, where higher scores indicate greater life satisfaction and lower scores suggest dissatisfaction.
The 5 Questions of SWLS
Here are the five statements you’ll rate on a scale of 1 to 7. Each response is scored from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree). The total score ranges from 5 to 35, with different levels of satisfaction categorized accordingly.
- In most ways, my life is close to my ideal.
- The conditions of my life are excellent.I am satisfied with my life.
- So far, I have gotten the important things I want in life.
- If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.

How to Interpret Your Score
Once you add up your responses, use this guide to understand your level of life satisfaction:
- 5 – 9: Extremely dissatisfied
- 10 – 14: Dissatisfied
- 15 – 19: Slightly below average satisfaction
- 20 – 24: Neutral satisfaction
- 25 – 29: Satisfied with life
- 30 – 35: Extremely satisfied
If your score is low, don’t worry! Read out the next section .
- Practice Gratitude – Take a moment each day to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what you already have.
- Strengthen Relationships – Spend quality time with loved ones and nurture meaningful connections. Supportive relationships are a key factor in long-term happiness.
- Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health – Prioritize good sleep, exercise, and mindfulness. A healthy body and mind create a strong foundation for overall life satisfaction.
- Focus on Personal Growth – Keep learning, exploring, and challenging yourself. Personal development boosts confidence and adds excitement to life.
- Set Meaningful Goals – Identify what truly matters to you and create small, achievable steps toward it.
Final Takeaway | Satisfaction With Life Scale
The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) offers a simple yet effective technique to check in with yourself and see where you stand. Remember, no matter your score, life satisfaction is not set in stone. Small, intentional changes can lead to a more meaningful life. Take this as an opportunity to reflect, set new goals, and acknowledge positive changes.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16367493/
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