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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1027/1015-5759/a000425

Abstract. This study examines the factor structure of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) in a sample of 23,674 students at 26 American universities. The measurement invariance of the scale is also examined across gender, nationality, and sexual orientation. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) are used for data analysis. The results support the three-dimensional factor structure of the scale as well as full or partial measurement invariance across the groups. Results show that Item 13 (related to autonomy) demonstrates differential item functioning across gender.

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