Furlong, M. J., O’Malley, M., Chan, M. K., Dowdy, E., Goodwin, J. W., Ortiz, A., Nylund-Gibson, K., & Hanson, T. (2025). The California Student Wellness Index: Development, Validation, and Multi-Tier Applications. Contemporary School Psychology, 29, 315–332.
California Student Wellness Index (CSWI)
Comprehensive Assessment of Resilience and Emotional Strengths (CARES)
This report examines the development, validation, and applications of the California Student Wellness Index (CSWI). This concise 10-item measure evaluates students' mental health and well-being. It includes an assessment of life satisfaction (Brief Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale) and measures emotional distress (Social Emotional Distress Survey). The validation is based on responses from 600,000+ California students in grades 6-12. Detailed scoring, norming, and interpretation information is provided.
CSWI Documentation
CSWI Validation Study Supplemental
Self-Study 101 Overview: Development and Validation
Self-Study 102 Overview: Interpretation and Applications