The Adolescent Wellbeing Paradigm (AWP): Psychometric Properties and Validation

Few studies have attempted to capture the perspectives of the current generation of youth for understanding adolescent wellbeing. In the present multi-sample mixed method study we developed a novel assessment tool of adolescent wellbeing, the Adolescent Wellbeing Paradigm (AWP). In Study 1, an online survey study among Dutch-speaking adolescents and young adults (N = 339, Mage = 18.44 years, SD = 3.53, 79% females) was conducted to inspect which initial AWP-items were viewed as being important for their wellbeing. In Study 2, we co-evaluated the original AWP-items and co-created new items with adolescents and young adults (N = 25) via focus groups. In Study 3, we examined the validity and reliability of the updated AWP in a new sample of youth (Mage = 19.86 years, SD = 4.46, 71% females). Principal Components Analyses revealed five factors of adolescent wellbeing: 1) having impact, purpose, and meaning; 2) absence of (excessive) stress; 3) family relationships; 4) self-confidence; and 5) feeling respected, appreciated, and loved. These AWP-factors were related to other measures of mental health and wellbeing, and the AWP showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In conclusion, the AWP was found to be a valid and reliable measure of adolescent wellbeing.