Examining measurement invariance of different SWLS measurement models according to gender

Abstract

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), a popular and widely used measurement tool in cross-cultural research, evaluates life satisfaction. Even though numerous studies have demonstrated factorial validity across a range of samples and cultures, the topic of factorial invariance across various subgroups is still up for debate. There are inconsistencies regarding the structure of the life satisfaction scale in descriptive and relational studies. This study aimed to combine these contentious models' (Model 1: single-factor model, Model 2: modified single-factor model and Model 3: twofactor model) measurement invariance with the findings of Multi Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses (MGCFA) carried out among various gender subgroups in Turkish culture with a sample of 690 participants. As a result of the research, all models met the model data goodness of fit according to the gender subgroup. But measurement-invariance decisions carried out according to different models differed.