Psychometric properties of the ultra-short measure Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-3S): Validity and Reliability in the Spanish online university context

To addresses the lack of brief, validated tools to assess student engagement in online universities, the present study examined the psychometric properties of the UWES-3S in a sample of 394 online students (72.8% women). Results demonstrated a one-factor structure with good internal consistency (α = .81), and test-retest (.80). Rasch analyses indicated an appropriate scale functioning, item difficulty distribution, and minimal gender-related bias. Criterion validity was shown by correlations with academic satisfaction, emotions, and student burnout (p < .001). Therefore, The UWES-3S is a brief, reliable, and valid measure of online student engagement with theoretical and practical relevance.