Measurement invariance of the moral identity scale among adolescents, according to student gender

Ajlouni MH, Hayjneh WS and Mel

Abstract

This study aim to identify the measurement invariance of the moral identity scale among adolescents, according to the student gender, and to achieve this goal the descriptive analytical method was used to analyze the results of moral identity scale among adolescents. In particular, the responses of 611 male and female adolescents have been analyzed on 12 items, after excluding one item from the internalization dimension. Data were analyzed using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) through the statistical programs: (AMOS 25). To judge the suitability level of test factorial structure, the following four indexes were used for the goodness of fit test in the structural equation models (SEM): Chi-Square (2), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation Index (RMSEA), Standardized Root Mean Residual Index (SRMR) and (ΔCFI, ΔRMSEA, ΔSRMR). Results show the suitability of proposed model, within its two dimensions (internalization, symbolism) of moral identity scale content among adolescents. Results also show the presence of configures, metric, and scalar invariance in the scale items, according to the student gender variable.