Reliability and validity of a Japanese version of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale

Abstract

Abstract Aim The Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) is a popular quality of life measure, indexing satisfaction with and importance of six empirically selected life domains. Whether these domains hold cross‐cultural validity remains largely unexplored. The current study developed and psychometrically validated a Japanese version of the BBQ (BBQ‐J). Methods Data were collected from 637 Japanese individuals aged between 20 and 87 years. We used t‐tests, Pearson product‐rate correlation coefficients, a reliability analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, and an exploratory factor analysis to analyze the data, with 637 participants in all analyses. Results There were no statistically significant gender differences on the BBQ‐J. Confirmatory factor analysis of the BBQ‐J revealed a 1‐factor structure with six items. Convergent validity was confirmed by its association with life satisfaction, and negative convergent validity was confirmed by its negative correlation with depressive symptoms. Cronbach's alpha of the BBQ‐J showed high internal consistency. Conclusion Similar to the original version, the Japanese version of the BBQ is a valid and reliable self‐administered measure of subjective quality of life for use in clinical and research settings.

Keywords

• life satisfaction
• psychometrics
• quality of life
• self‐rating scale
• subjective well‐being