Construct validity of the LSB-50 in argentinean adults: cross-validation and factorial invariance

Abstract

This paper aims at obtaining evidence of validity of the LSB-50 (De Rivera & Abuín, 2012), a screening measure of psychopathology, in Argentinean adults. The sample consisted of 1291 individuals (49% males; 51% females) between 18 and 89 years-old (M = 38.9, SD = 16.49). A cross-validation study and factorial invariance studies were performed to test, in samples divided by sex and age, if a seven-factor structure that corresponds to seven clinical scales (Hypersensitivity, Obsessive-Compulsive, Anxiety, Hostility, Somatization, Depression, and Sleep disturbance) was adequate for the LSB-50. The seven-factor structure showed a good fit in all the subsamples. Next, the fit of the seven-factor structure was studied simultaneously in the aforementioned subsamples, through hierarchical models that imposed different constrains of equivalency. Results indicated the invariance of the seven clinical dimensions of the LSB-50. Ordinal alphas showed good internal consistency for all the scales. Finally, correlations with a diagnostic measure of psychopathology –el Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007)– indicated, as expected, moderate convergence. It is concluded that the analyses performed provide robust evidence of construct validity for the LSB-50.