Wellbeing is measured with real instruments that have been through decades of validation, translation and published scrutiny. Most people never encounter them, and the ones that matter most are often the hardest to find plain writing about. These pages are our attempt at that writing.
Guides
The instruments
Five measures that come up repeatedly in wellbeing research. Two are free to use and are everywhere; two are licensed and are consequently rare outside funded studies. That difference shapes the field more than most people realise.
The PANAS scale, explained
Why measuring good mood and bad mood as two separate things changed how affect is studied.
The WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, explained
Five questions, no negatives, and one of the most translated wellbeing measures in the world.
The PHQ-9, explained
Nine questions that became the default depression screener in primary care worldwide.
The Zarit Burden Interview, explained
The reference measure for a cost that most health systems still do not record.
The Work Limitations Questionnaire, explained
Built to measure the cost of the days you did show up.
These pages are educational. immli is a wellbeing and understanding tool, not a medical service — nothing here diagnoses, screens for or treats any condition, and none of these instruments should be self-administered in place of speaking to a qualified professional.
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