Evaluating the Measurement Invariance of the Everyday Discrimination Scale Among Older Black Men and Women

In this study, we examined the measurement invariance of the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) across Black older men and women (ages 66–90). Participants were 141 Black men and 287 Black women drawn from the Kaiser Health Aging and Diverse Life Experiences study. An exploratory factor analysis of EDS items resulted in a unidimensional scale, and results were corroborated with each group using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance across groups was tested using multiple group CFA. Data fit was tested for configural, metric, and scalar invariance. There was measurement noninvariance at the metric level, suggesting nonequivalent factor loadings. The extent of factor score misestimation between the unadjusted and final model was assessed. Among Black women who reported more frequent experiences of discrimination, the unmodified EDS overestimated their total factor score. Administering the EDS without refinement may lead to incorrect measurement particularly among older Black women. Accounting for the gendered nature of interpersonal discrimination may improve estimates of discrimination prevalence and more accurately estimate the relationship between discrimination and health among Black older adults.