Measurement invariance in the Satisfaction with Food-related Life scale: A comparison of Chilean and Spanish university students

Abstract

Confirming that an assessment instrument evaluates the same construct in the same way across cultures is critical before comparing distinct samples. The factorial invariance of the Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) scale across university students from Chile and Spain was evaluated. Then, mean levels of the SWFL scores among these groups were compared. Through non-probabilistic sampling, 252 university students from Chile (61.5% women, mean age=22.9, SD=2.21) and 120 students from Spain (53.5% women; mean age=22.0, SD=2.5) completed the SWFL. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine cross-cultural measurement invariance. Results showed that the SWFL scale exhibited strict invariance (equal factor loadings, thresholds and residuals) when comparing the Chilean and Spanish student samples. Therefore, the similar structure of the SWFL scale across these samples provides the basis for meaningful international comparisons of Satisfaction with Food-related Life. This finding allows the creation of common policies that can improve food-related well-being and the quality of life of university students and for people during different stages of life. The Spanish sample had a significantly higher SWFL score than the Chilean sample, probably linked to the significantly higher mean score in the items related to pleasure, ideal food and life conditions associated with food of the SWFL scale. Limitations and suggestions for future research in measuring Satisfaction with Food related Life are discussed.