PERMA-Profiler as a multidimensional measure of well-being in a French context

Subjective well-being is a core feature of physical and mental health. However, no currently existing validated tools exist for the French population. The aim of this study was to develop a French adaptation of the PERMA-Profiler, a self-reported measure of psychological and subjective well-being based on the PERMA model by Seligman (2011). Participants from a large French-speaking sample (N = 612) completed the PERMA-Profiler (French version) and a series of additional measures of flourishing as well as anxiety and depression. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) at item level confirmed multidimensionality and indicated good internal consistency. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) conduced on half of the sample revealed a 4-factor structure (Positive Emotions, Relationship, Meaning and Accomplishment) excluding the theorized Engagement factor. This model was subsequently confirmed via CFA in the second subsample. All 4-factors showed satisfactory internal consistency and were strongly intercorrelated, supporting a multidimensional but coherent structure. Correlation analyses with other measures confirmed both convergent and discriminant validity. The French PERMA-Profiler demonstrated excellent psychometric properties across validity, reliability and test-retest stability (ICC = .93 over a one-month interval, N = 179). It provides a reliable and multidimensional tool for assessing subjective well-being in French population.