Toward a holistic understanding of wellbeing: a psychometric evaluation of the 7DHW model in a Portuguese sample

IntroductionThe growing recognition of wellbeing as a multidimensional construct has highlighted the need for integrative and culturally adapted assessment tools. This study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the Holistic Scale of Body and Mental Health and Wellbeing, based on the 7 Dimensions of Holistic Wellbeing (7DHW) model.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 408 Portuguese adults. The psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency assessment using Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω, and known-groups validity analyses based on gender and age comparisons.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the multidimensional structure of the questionnaire, with all seven dimensions demonstrating theoretically coherent factorial solutions. Internal consistency was good to excellent for Self-Esteem (α = 0.869), Social Relationships (α = 0.883), Environment (α = 0.829), and Sense of Future (α = 0.898), while Meaningful Work showed acceptable reliability (α = 0.767). In contrast, Body Image (α = 0.097) and Health Knowledge (α = 0.535) demonstrated lower internal consistency, indicating the need for further refinement. Known-groups analyses revealed significant gender differences in Environmental Attitudes and Health Behaviors, with women reporting higher scores, and significant age-related differences in Self-Esteem, Social Relationships, Environment, and Sense of Future.ConclusionsThe findings provide preliminary support for the construct validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the 7DHW questionnaire. The instrument shows strong potential as a comprehensive measure of holistic wellbeing across psychological, social, environmental, occupational, and behavioral domains. However, further refinement of the Body Image and Health Knowledge dimensions is recommended before broader application.