Measurement Invariance of the Occupational Engagement Scale – Student and Career Adapt-Abilities Scale Across U.S. Veterans’ Employment Status

Abstract

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces experience employment-related challenges when they separate from the military and reintegrate into civilian life. Challenges related to finding and maintaining employment may impact their post-military career choices and decisions. The purpose of this study was to examine the measurement invariance of the Occupational Engagement Scale-Student (OES-S) and the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) across veterans’ employment status. A sample of 140 employed, 55 unemployed, and 331 retired U.S. military veterans were recruited via Qualtrics Research Services. Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) was used to determine whether the OES-S and CAAS were invariant for employed, unemployed, and retired veterans. Findings suggested full invariance for the OES-S and CAAS. Importantly, there were latent mean differences for both measures, with employed veterans scoring higher, on average, on occupational engagement and career adaptability. Implications for research and practice in career assessment and counseling are discussed.