title: Cross-language differential item functioning of the job content questionnaire among European countries: the JACE study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about cross-language measurement equivalence of the job content questionnaire (JCQ) PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to assess the extent of cross-language differential item functioning (DIF) of the 27 JCQ items in six languages (French, Dutch, Belgian-French, Belgian-Dutch (Flemish), Italian, and Swedish) from six European research centers and to test whether its effects on the scale-level mean comparisons among the centers were substantial or not.
  
  
  METHODS
  A partial gamma coefficient method was used for statistical DIF analyses where the Flemish JCQ was the reference for other language versions. Additionally, equivalence between the Flemish and Dutch translations was subjected to a judgmental review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On average, 36% to 39% of the total tested items appeared to be cross-language DIF items in the statistical analyses. The judgmental review indicated that half of the DIF items may be associated with translation difference. The impacts of the DIF items on the mean comparisons of the JCQ scales between the centers were non-trivial: underestimated skill discretion (Milan), underestimated decision authority (Leiden), underestimated psychological demands (Milan women), and incomparable coworker support (Gothenburg 95).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cross-language DIF of the JCQ among European countries should be considered in international comparative studies on psychosocial job hazards using JCQ scales.
authors: Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA. b.choi@uci.edu
authors: Bongkyoo
authors: B
authors: Choi
authors: Jakob Blue
authors: JB
authors: Bjorner
authors: Per-Olof
authors: PO
authors: Ostergren
authors: Els
authors: E
authors: Clays
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Houtman
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Punnett
authors: Annika
authors: A
authors: Rosengren
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: De Bacquer
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Ferrario
authors: Maaike
authors: M
authors: Bilau
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Karasek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003657:Decision Making; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*