Psychometric Evaluation of the Brief Emotional Experience Scale (BEES) for Assessing Emotional Wellbeing

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this research paper are to evaluate the 6-item Brief Emotional Experience Scale (BEES) by examining (1) evaluate the underlying factor structure, (2) time to complete, (3) associated distress with completion, and (4) scoring categories. Method: The BEES factor structure was evaluated across three separate studies, Study 1 consisted of a large public sample (n = 5631), with studies 2 (n = 326) and 3 (n = 1239) consisting of university student samples. For testing convergent validity, the BEES was significantly correlated with a range of established wellbeing measures across studies 2 and 3. Time-to-complete and distress associated with answering surveys was recorded in study 3. Additionally, in study 3, scoring categories were determined for the BEES. Results: Across the three studies, we found a correlated 2-factor structure, comprising positive and negative emotions, as the best fitting model. Evidence of sound internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = .84) and convergent validity was found via strong associations with other established wellbeing measures (rs = .55 - .86). The BEES was also found to have the lowest level of distress associated with completing it compared with other wellbeing validation measures, and the lowest average time-to-complete (less than 30 seconds). Conclusion: The results provide evidence that the BEES is a reliable and valid very brief measure of self-reported emotional wellbeing. We also provide scoring category cut-off values for the BEES to facilitate use as an emotional wellbeing screening tool.