Assessing the Structural Robustness of Self-Rated Satisfaction With Life: A SEM Analysis

Structural invariance of self-rated satisfaction with life data was assessed using four data sets collected in earlier studies by using the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Three measurement models were compared to account for structural variability of the data. Strict structural invariance was rejected. Departure from the one-factor model was only found in data gathered using the items in successive order. When the items were scattered among other items, only quantitative variability was found. The findings did not support the view of a generalized one-factor model but suggested measurement artifacts. Qualitative structural variability impacted the scale reliability estimates. Although experimental replication of an ordering effect is warranted, this study suggests that scattering the items can be recommended in order to optimize the structural validity of this concept.