Psychometric Validation of the Spanish Version of the Luxembourg Workplace Mobbing Scale (LWMS): Structural Equation Modeling, and Item Response Theory Evidence

Introduction: Workplace mobbing is a psychosocial risk factor associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Accurate assessment of this phenomenon is essential for both research and applied settings; however, validated brief instruments in Spanish remain limited. The Luxembourg Workplace Mobbing Scale (LWMS) is a short measure with sound psychometric properties that allows efficient evaluation of exposure to workplace mobbing. Objective: Translation and validation of the LWMS into Spanish in adults. Methods: A total of 345 adults (51.3% women) participated, completing a sociodemographic questionnaire and psychological instruments. Statistical analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling and item response theory. Results: The LWMS demonstrated adequate content validity; a unidimensional structure (CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.04 [90% CI: 0.001, 0.092], SRMR = 0.02); and reliability (ω = 0.79, H = 0.86 and rxx = 0.78). In addition, significant associations were found with depressive symptoms (r = 0.37, p = 0.001), generalised anxiety (r = 0.38, p = 0.001), and suicidal ideation (r = 0.27, p = 0.001). Item 2 showed the highest discrimination and information, and the scale proved to be accurate at higher levels of workplace mobbing. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the LWMS shows solid evidence of validity and reliability, supporting its use as a brief and precise instrument for assessing workplace mobbing in adult populations. Its strong psychometric performance and clinical relevance make it suitable for research, screening, and preventive interventions in occupational settings.