META-Q: Development of a Psychological Balance and Growth Support Index Through Multi-Faceted Balance Analysis

This study reported the development and validation of the Meta-Q (Meta-Cognitive Quotient for Equilibrium & Tracked Advancement), a multi-domain index designed to assess psychological balance as a foundation for evidence-based coaching. Meta-Q operationalizes “balance” by integrating Eastern Zhong-yong (Doctrine of the Mean) with Western constructs from Jungian individuation, Transactional Analysis (TA), and Gardner’s multiple intelligences. Data from 300 adults (ages 21–49) were analyzed using reliability testing, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA), criterion validity correlations, and multiple regression. Results supported a stable five-factor structure: Emotional Balance (EB), Personality Balance (PB), Multiple Competency Balance (MCB), Communication Balance (CB), and Life Satisfaction Balance (LSB). Internal consistency was high, and test-retest reliability over 2–4 weeks ranged from .72 to .83. Meta-Q correlated positively with well-being and negatively with distress. Regression predicting life satisfaction indicated EB and PB as the strongest predictors. Meta-Q provided a concise dashboard for identifying imbalance “load points,” tracking change across coaching cycles, and supporting ethical referral thresholds when scores indicated severe risk.