Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the German Version of the Revised Olweus Bullying Questionnaire

Abstract

Abstract. The revised Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ-R) is a frequently used self-report measure that assesses bullying and victimization. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the German OBQ-R with a representative sample of ninth graders ( N = 12,444). Measurement invariance across gender and migration background was analyzed. The two-factor structure of the OBQ-R with high internal consistency reliability (victimization: ω = .89; bullying: ω = .89) was confirmed. Partial scalar invariance can be assumed for gender and migration background. The victimization subscale correlated in the predicted direction with depression ( rs = .29), anxiety ( rs = .30), and suicidal ideation ( rs = .25). Additionally, the bullying subscale correlated in the expected directions with empathy ( rs = −.18), problematic alcohol use ( rs = .11), and problematic drug use ( rs = .12). In summary, the German OBQ-R is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing bullying and victimization among adolescents in Germany.