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How Long do We Flourish? A Flourishing State or Trait? A Longitudinal Examination of the Diener Flourishing Scale

Author

Listed:
  • Balázs András Varga

    (Eötvös Loránd University
    Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Attila Oláh

    (Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Róbert Urbán

    (Eötvös Loránd University)

  • András Vargha

    (Eötvös Loránd University
    Károli Gáspár Reformed University)

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the Diener flourish scale (FS) to determine whether it functions as a measure of trait or state flourishing. The study employed longitudinal follow-up measurements across three time points over an 8-month period, with a sample size of 279 participants. Temporal invariance and trait-state analyses were conducted on the longitudinal data. Temporal invariance was evaluated using the latent state-trait including state (LST-IS) model, while trait-state analysis was performed using the multitrait-multistate (MTMS) model on the panel data. The LST-IS model, applied to the panel data across the three time points, confirmed the temporal invariance (configural, weak, strong, and strict) of the factor structure within the CFA model, indicating that the FS is a temporally stable measurement tool. The temporal proximity of the first two time points, compared to the third, was reflected in the correlation patterns observed between the time points. The MTMS model demonstrated a significant dominance of trait-like characteristics, with a low proportion of environmental effects. The model affirmed the predominance of trait aspects in flourishing, supported by high reliability and consistency values for the tetrads. However, the study’s design and methodological depth are acknowledged as areas requiring further development.

Suggested Citation

  • Balázs András Varga & Attila Oláh & Róbert Urbán & András Vargha, 2025. "How Long do We Flourish? A Flourishing State or Trait? A Longitudinal Examination of the Diener Flourishing Scale," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00919-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00919-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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