Development and Application of the Korean Prototype of Wellness Index

Purpose: This study aimed to develop the Korean Prototype of Wellness Index (KP-WI) and identify the relationship between Koreans’ health characteristics and wellness. Methods: The Wellness Index (WI) was translated into the primitive version of the KP-WI, considering the Koreans’ culture and health behavior. It was administered to 223 service industrial employees at one workplace along with the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Stress Questionnaire-Short Form. Data analyses included item-total correlation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: The primitive version was modified to KP-WI based on the item-total correlation. The items considered to lower the reliability of the KP-WI were eliminated. Cronbach’s ⍺ for each subscale ranged from .857 to .939. Perceived stress and negative emotions correlated significantly with wellness measured by KP-WI (r=-.29, p<.001; r=-.27, p<.001). Positive emotions correlated significantly with wellness (r=.60, p<.001). Conclusion: This study contributes to the development of Korean-style wellness indexes by developing a prototype and exploring the factors related to wellness.