Through seven questions, it is possible to determine someone’s level of wisdom, and thus assess their well-being.
- It only takes a few minutes to perform this test.
- The authors of the study intend to continue their work in order to assess wisdom in more varied population samples.
Whether adult or child, wisdom is a widely recognized quality. It characterizes someone whose behavior is both prudent and reasonable, capable of making decisions with righteousness. Researchers at the University of California – San Diego have been interested in this personality trait for several years. In International Psychogeriatricsthey present a questionnaire and a scale to determine the level of wisdom of a person. Previously, they had developed a similar rating system: the 28-item San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE-28). This tool had been used in national and international studies, and in different clinical tests.
How to assess wisdom?
In this new study, they explain that they have developed a shorter scale: it includes only seven items. Called SD-WISE-7 or Jeste-Thomas Wisdom Index, it is as reliable as the previous one. The American scientists built on previous research, which showed that wisdom comprises seven elements: self-reflection, prosocial behaviors (such as empathy, compassion and altruism), emotional regulation, acceptance of diverse perspectives, ability to make decisions, social counseling (such as giving rational and helpful advice to others) and spirituality. “Wisdom measures are increasingly being used to study factors that impact mental health and optimal aging, explains Dilip V. Jeste, lead author of the study and professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at UC San Diego. We wanted to test if a list of just seven items could be enough to provide accurate information to test wisdom.”
A test validated during a study
In this study, the researcher and his team interviewed nearly 2,100 participants, aged 20 to 82, via a platform. The seven statements relate to the seven components of wisdom and are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, from strongly disagree to strongly agree. For example, participants were asked to record statements such as “I remain calm under pressure” Where “I avoid situations where I know my help will be needed”. “Shorter does not mean less valid”explained Dilip V. Jeste.
Why assess wisdom?
For this scientist, evaluating wisdom provides information on health and longevity, because according to him, these three factors are linked. “There are methods to improve the levels of specific components of wisdom, which would help reduce loneliness and promote overall well-being.“, specifies the researcher. This new test confirmed this link: high levels of wisdom were associated with more resilience, happiness and mental well-being in participants. “Wisdom can protect us from lonelinesssupports the American scientist. So we can potentially help end a 20-year behavioral pandemic of loneliness, suicides, and opioid abuse..”
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