Using Bifactor EFA, Bifactor CFA and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling to Validate Factor Structure of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Greek Version

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structure, invariance, reliability, convergent and discriminant validity of the MLQ with exploratory and con-firmatory factor analysis in 1561 Greek adults. After sample-splitting, a two-factor EFA and a two-factor bifactor EFA model were tested in the first sample. Then, seven CFA models were tested (three ICM-CFA models, two bifactor CFA models and two ESEM models) in the second sample. Two-factor ESEM representation was notably better than the ICM-CFA models and marginally better than the bifactor model. Optimal ESEM model was successfully cross-validated in a third sample. MLQ was also proved to be invariant across gender. Internal consistency reliability was adequate. Convergent and discri-minant validity were also examined. Considering all findings, MLQ is gender invariant, reliable and valid to use in Greek cultural context.