Factor structure and measurement invariance of a multidimensional loneliness scale: Comparisons across gender and age
Maes,Marlies Klimstra,T.A. Van den Noortgate,Wim Goossens,Luc
Maes,Marlies
Klimstra,T.A.
Van den Noortgate,Wim
Goossens,Luc
Abstract
This study focuses on the factor structure of a multidimensional loneliness measure, that is, the Loneliness and Aloneness Scale for Children and Adolescents (LACA). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a large sample of children and adolescents (N = 9,676) in Belgium. Results indicated that the supposed four-factor structure of the instrument showed a superior fit when compared to alternative, more parsimonious models. Measurement invariance was established across gender and across all age groups in the intended age range (i.e., elementary school to freshman year in college). Age comparisons indicated that parent-related loneliness and positive attitudes to aloneness increased throughout adolescence. In sum, the present study offers strong support based on strict tests for the factor structure of a particular multidimensional loneliness measure (LACA). Future research should extend such analyses to other multidimensional measures of loneliness. Keywords: Loneliness Aloneness Adolescence Confirmatory factor analysis Measurement invariance
Description
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Loneliness, Aloneness, Adolescence, Confirmatory factor analysis, Measurement invariance
Citation
Maes, M, Klimstra, T A, Van den Noortgate, W & Goossens, L 2015, 'Factor structure and measurement invariance of a multidimensional loneliness scale : Comparisons across gender and age', Journal of Child and Family Studies, vol. 24, no. 6, pp. 1829-1837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9986-4