Background to the Scale
Researchers at Warwick and Edinburgh Universities were asked to take an existing scale to evaluate the mental health of a population (the Affectometer 2) and test it. The researchers then developed a revised and shortened scale for use within the UK.
The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)) [external site] is a 14 point scale in which individuals respond to questions about their thoughts and feelings. Researchers are then able to measure an individual's mental wellbeing.
The aim is to incorporate Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale into the Scottish Health Survey to assess the mental wellbeing of the population.
Use of the scale
For more information and details on requirements for use of the Scale, visit the NHS Health Scotland web pages [external link].
Amongst other things there, you will find a user guide, which gives details on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Whilst the use of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale is welcomed and it is free to use, it is copyrighted to NHS Health Scotland and the Universities of Warwick and Edinburgh. Permission is required for use.
Dr Hendramoorthy Maheswaran (Hendy) (H.Maheswaran@warwick.ac.uk) at the University of Warwick, is maintaining a register of use and is the person to contact when seeking such permission and for answers to questions on using Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. He will also be able to tell you which countries have done work on translating Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for use with their population.
Copyright
If the scale is reproduced, it must include the copyright statement which appears with it and no changes to its wording, response categories or layout must be made. Any report regarding use of Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale also needs to include the following text:
"The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was funded by the Scottish Executive National Programme for improving mental health and well-being, commissioned by NHS Health Scotland, developed by the University of Warwick and the University of Edinburgh, and is jointly owned by NHS Health Scotland, the University of Warwick and the University of Edinburgh."