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Tags: Psychology , Psychometrics
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Subjective happiness is a personal appraisal of life satisfaction and positive emotion. This subjective happiness assessment turns four quick reflections into a single score you can understand and compare over time.

You select a number from 1 to 7 for each item using clear anchors so 1 is very low or not at all, 4 is neutral or average, and 7 is very high or a great deal. The result combines these choices into a total with a simple band that reads Low, Medium, or High.

For example, choosing 6 for the first item, 5 for the second, 4 for the third, and 2 for the fourth gives a total of 21 and a Medium band. Suggestions then point to small actions you can try such as a nightly gratitude note or a short walk.

Scores reflect the last few weeks and they can shift with events, routines, and sleep. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis, and you should speak with a qualified professional if you have concerns about mood or well being.

For clearer tracking, answer in a similar setting, use the same anchors, and avoid rushing. Compare your own runs rather than competing with others so you see meaningful change.

Your responses stay on this device.

Technical Details:

The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) summarizes perceived happiness over a recent period using four self ratings on a seven point Likert scale. Two items capture self view in general and relative to peers, and two items capture dispositional joy with the fourth item reverse coded for balance between positive and negative phrasing.

The index computes a total score by adding three direct items and the reverse coded fourth item, then derives a mean per item and two subscores: Self view (Items 1–2) and Disposition (Item 3 plus reverse coded Item 4). The mean helps compare runs on a common 1–7 scale, and subscores show where change concentrates.

Totals span 4–28, where higher values indicate greater subjective happiness. Bands are defined as Low, Medium, and High to give a quick read on where the total sits and to cue proportionate next steps. Values near boundaries should be read cautiously and confirmed across repeated runs.

Comparisons are most meaningful within the same person using the same anchors and timeframe. The calculator does not apply population norms or demographics, and it is designed for quick check ins rather than diagnosis.

S = x1 + x2 + x3 + ( 8 − x4 ) M = S 4 Self sum = x1 + x2 Disposition sum = x3 + ( 8 − x4 )
Symbol Meaning Unit/Datatype Source
x1…x4 Item scores Integers 1–7 Input
S Total score 4–28 Derived
M Mean per item 1.00–7.00 Derived
Self sum Items 1–2 2–14 Derived
Disposition sum Item 3 plus reverse coded Item 4 2–14 Derived
Threshold band Lower bound Upper bound Interpretation Action cue
Low 4 16 Lower than average subjective happiness Start small daily actions and track for two weeks
Medium 17 22 Around average Protect helpful routines and refine what works
High 23 28 Above average Maintain strengths and share practices with others

Units, precision, and rounding

  • Items are integers 1–7; totals are integers 4–28.
  • Mean is rounded to two decimals; percentage of maximum may be shown to one decimal.
  • Decimal separator is a period; no thousands separators appear.

Validation and bounds (from code)

Field Type Min Max Step/Pattern Error text Placeholder
Item response Radio integer 1 7 Step 1 None shown None
Answer payload (r) Query string 4 chars 4 chars ^[1-7\-]{4}$ Invalid payload ignored ---- for blank

Answers are encoded as four characters in the r parameter using digits 1–7 with a dash for missing, and decoded only when the pattern matches exactly.

I/O formats and derived outputs

Input Accepted families Output Encoding/Precision Rounding
Four item selections Integers 1–7 Total, mean, band, subscores, highlights, guidance Totals integer; mean two decimals Standard half up via toFixed
URL parameter r Four characters 1–7 or - Pre filled answers Literal ASCII None

Networking and storage

  • Processing is client only; responses never leave the device.
  • The gauge visualization loads from an external script; no data is transmitted with it.
  • No cookies or server storage are used; answers can be shared only by copying the URL.

Security considerations

  • Item text allows embedded line breaks from fixed strings; user input is numeric only.
  • Only exact four character payloads are decoded; invalid values are ignored and do not render.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Self report may reflect mood at the moment rather than typical weeks.
  • Reverse wording in Item 4 can confuse quick readers.
  • Band thresholds are coarse and may not capture small changes.
  • Comparisons across people are limited without shared context.
  • Population norms are not applied.
  • Not designed for children or clinical screening.
  • Meaningful trends require repeated measures with stable routines.
  • Heads‑up Life events, illness, or sleep changes can shift scores quickly.

Edge cases and error sources

  • Leaving any item blank prevents totals from showing.
  • Editing the URL to an invalid r string is ignored; answers reset.
  • Rapid switching may momentarily show progress without totals until all items are set.
  • Using different timeframes between runs reduces comparability.
  • Responding while distracted adds noise.
  • Always picking midpoints hides change that matters.
  • Copying others’ choices undermines self insight.
  • Device text scaling can wrap labels; reread anchors carefully.
  • Low bandwidth may delay the gauge script; totals still compute.
  • Very high or very low single items can dominate the impression of the result.

How‑to · Step‑by‑Step Guide

Subjective happiness ratings convert four choices into a total and band.

  1. Read each item and reflect on the last few weeks.
  2. Select a number from 1 to 7 for every item.
  3. Check that all four items are answered.
  4. Review the total, band, and mean shown with the gauge.
  5. Scan highlights and suggested next steps.
  6. Save or share the result by copying the URL if needed.

Example: Answers 6, 5, 4, 2 produce total 21, mean 5.25, band Medium.

Repeat later in similar conditions to see change that matters.

FAQ

Is my data stored?

No. Responses are handled on your device and can be shared only if you copy the URL that encodes answers in the r parameter.

How accurate is the score?

It is a concise self report snapshot. Accuracy improves when you answer calmly, use the same anchors each time, and compare your own runs rather than others.

What units or formats are used?

Items use integers 1–7; totals run 4–28; the mean is shown to two decimals.

Can I use it without a connection?

Yes after initial load. Calculations run locally; a gauge may require one script that your device can cache.

What does a borderline result mean?

If your total sits near a band edge, confirm with another run on a different day and look for trends across time rather than one cut point.

How do I calculate SHS total?

Add Items 1, 2, and 3, then add 8 minus Item 4. Divide by 4 for the mean if you want it.

Is there any cost or license noted?

The package does not state pricing or licensing; usage depends on your distribution context.

Does this diagnose depression or anxiety?

No. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If you have concerns about mood or safety, consult a qualified professional.

Troubleshooting

  • No total shown: answer all four items.
  • Gauge missing: reload once the external script finishes.
  • Answers look wrong: check that Item 4 is reverse coded automatically.
  • URL share fails: ensure the r value is exactly four characters long.
  • Band feels off: totals near a boundary can flip with one point; rerun later.
  • Scrolling list jumps: use the side list to jump back to an item.

Advanced Tips

  • Keep a short note on why you chose each number to make trends easier to explain later.
  • Run it at the same time of day to reduce noise from energy and focus shifts.
  • Pair totals with sleep and activity notes to spot helpful correlations.
  • If Self view is higher than Disposition, add micro habits that lift daily mood.
  • If Disposition is higher than Self view, reflect on strengths to raise self appraisal.
  • Revisit after two weeks of a small change to see if the mean moves meaningfully.

Glossary

Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)
Four item measure summarizing perceived happiness.
Likert scale
Ordered response scale from 1 to 7 with labeled anchors.
Reverse coded
Transformed as 8 minus the original score for alignment.
Band
Category label such as Low, Medium, or High based on totals.
Mean
Average per item computed as total divided by four.
Subscore
Sum of a subset of items that highlights a facet.