Satisfaction Ratings of QOLPAV: Psychometric Properties Based on the Graded Response Model

A scale measuring quality of life (QOL) is important in adolescent research. Using the graded response model (GRM), this study
evaluates the psychometric properties of the satisfaction ratings of the Quality of Life Profile Adolescent Version (QOLPAV).
Data for 1,392 adolescents were used to check IRT assumptions such as unidimensionality and local item dependence (LID). The
goodness of fit of the GRM to the data and the item characteristic curves were evaluated. The reliability and validity analyses
included item/test information, Cronbach’s α, and convergent and discriminant validity. Differential item functioning (DIF)
procedures were also performed to detect item bias. The results provide evidence that the items sufficiently measured one
single dimension. Few pairs of questions were flagged as LID due to content or wording similarity. Five items did not fit
the GRM, and 4 were low in item discrimination. The findings also suggest that the assessment had appropriate reliability
and validity. The DIF impact on the assessment score was considered minor. Because QOLPAV includes a respondent’s perceived
importance of various life aspects, a short form that only considers important life aspects in the overall QOL estimation
for each respondent becomes feasible within the framework of IRT. Future studies focusing on the development of a QOL overall
index using the items from QOLPAV are recommended.