Thriving from Work Questionnaire: Validation of a Measure of Worker Wellbeing Among Older U.S. Workers

Maren Wright Voss, Cal J. Halvorsen, Kanchan Yadav, Stephanie M. Neidlinger, Gregory R. Wagner and Susan E. Peters ()
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Maren Wright Voss: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Cal J. Halvorsen: Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Kanchan Yadav: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Stephanie M. Neidlinger: Department of Work, Organizational, and Business Psychology, Helmut-Schmidt University, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
Gregory R. Wagner: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Susan E. Peters: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-30

Abstract: As life expectancy and retirement ages rise globally, understanding how older workers thrive in the workplace is an increasingly vital measurement and wellbeing priority. In this study, we validated the Thriving from Work Questionnaire (TfWQ) for workers aged ≥50. A U.S. online panel yielded 617 older workers and 372 younger counterparts for comparison. Using item response theory alongside model-fit evaluation and correlational tests with job/life satisfaction, engagement, burnout, and turnover intent—we assessed reliability and construct validity of the long- (30 reduced to 29-item) and short- (8-item) form TfWQ versions. We recommend omitting one of the original items from the long-form for use in older workers. Instrument reliability was high (α = 0.94 long-form; 0.90 short-form). Model fit was established for both long- and short-form versions with acceptable model fit indices. Convergent validity was supported by strong, theory-consistent correlations with the external constructs. Older workers, compared with those 20–49 years, had higher scores of thriving from work as well as differences identified on nine items. These age-patterned differences highlight actionable levers for occupational-health age-sensitive policy, wellbeing interventions, and workforce planning. The TfWQ offers a robust, reliable, valid, and practically oriented tool for evaluating older workers’ wellbeing with utility across research, practice, and policy.

Keywords: work-related wellbeing; psychological safety; item response theory; psychometrics; work-life balance; occupational stress; job satisfaction; working conditions; psychological well-being; occupational health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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