What’s in a Scale – Multidimensionality or Wording Artifact? A Comprehensive Psychometric Analysis of the Rasch-Type Loneliness Scale
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21352182 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Linda Maurer (0009-0000-1891-9232, University of Klagenfurt, corresponding author), Anna Schultz (0000-0002-7944-2180, Medical University of Graz), Carina Spreitzer (0000-0003-2995-6666, University of Klagenfurt), Marlies Maes (0000-0002-1710-5728, Utrecht University), Pamela Qualter (0000-0001-6114-3820, University of Manchester), Oliver Huxhold (0000-0002-1352-6832, German Centre of Gerontology, Head of Research II: Social Relationships and Health), Marcus Mund (0000-0003-0006-9043, University of Klagenfurt) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-15 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Personality Assessment (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-3891 • E-ISSN: 1532-7752 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00223891.2026.2672457 |
| PMID | 42234777 |
| OpenAlex | W7163381039 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 70 |
500), we examined the dimensionality and Rasch-conformity of the original and two manipulated versions of the RTLS-6, featuring uniformly worded items toward loneliness and different numbers of response categories. Overall, the results support a two-factor structure of the scale, which remains robust even when wording effects are ruled out. Multidimensional, polytomous Rasch analyses suggest that a four-point intensity response format is most appropriate. In sum, the original RTLS-6 provides evidence aligning with the assumptions of the polytomous Rasch model, particularly regarding model fit, ordered thresholds, and the absence of differential item functioning across several subgroups. Accordingly, the RTLS-6 appears suitable for use as a two-dimensional scale capturing emotional and social loneliness
Construct validity · Loneliness · Personality test · Psychometrics · Scale (ratio) · Test validity · UCLA Loneliness Scale · Validation test · Aging and Gerontology Research · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Identity, Memory, and Therapy
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |