What’s in a Scale – Multidimensionality or Wording Artifact? A Comprehensive Psychometric Analysis of the Rasch-Type Loneliness Scale

= 500), we examined the dimensionality and Rasch-conformity of the original and two manipulated versions of the RTLS-6, featuring uniformly worded items toward loneliness and different numbers of response categories. Overall, the results support a two-factor structure of the scale, which remains robust even when wording effects are ruled out. Multidimensional, polytomous Rasch analyses suggest that a four-point intensity response format is most appropriate. In sum, the original RTLS-6 provides evidence aligning with the assumptions of the polytomous Rasch model, particularly regarding model fit, ordered thresholds, and the absence of differential item functioning across several subgroups. Accordingly, the RTLS-6 appears suitable for use as a two-dimensional scale capturing emotional and social loneliness.