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Higher-order factor models have recently been dismissed as a ‘misleading’, ‘meaningless’, and ‘needless’ approach for modeling multidimensional constructs (Lee and Cadogan, 2013; L & C, 2013 hereafter). The purpose of this paper is to show that – in contrast to L & C’s (2013) verdict – higher-order factor models are still a legitimate operationalization option for multidimensional constructs.

Basic conceptual and statistical premises of L & C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models are scrutinized both conceptually and statistically as to their logic and validity.

A thorough analysis of L & C’s (2013) arguments shows that they are fundamentally flawed both conceptually and statistically, rendering their conclusions invalid.

Researchers should not remove the well-established higher-order factor models from their methodological toolkit. Furthermore, empirical findings should not automatically be considered suspect simply because higher-factor models have been used to model multidimensional constructs.

So far, L & C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models have gone unchallenged in the literature. This rejoinder is a first, much needed attempt to protect applied researchers from getting the false impression that by using higher-factor models, they rely on a “misleading” or “meaningless” modeling approach.

The purpose of this paper is to describe health‐related factors and behaviors associated with soy consumption and to present a better identification of a soy consumer's profile at meso‐level.

A total of 104 women and 49 men, 22‐77 years old and employed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, participated in the study. A physical activity questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire were administered. Body height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body fat percentage (2‐pole BIA), blood glucose and total blood cholesterol were measured in a fasting state.

Compared with the general population, the sample showed healthier eating habits (breakfast frequency, fruit and vegetable consumption) and lower prevalence of smoking. Women regularly consuming soy had lower waist circumference, body fat percentage and total cholesterol levels than infrequent soy consumers. Men consuming soy foods regularly participated significantly more in high‐intensity physical activities and consumed less meat, poultry and fish.

Owing to recruitment in a university setting, a healthy volunteer effect and socio‐economic bias may exist. Therefore, generalization of the results is not possible and interpretation of the results must be performed with the utmost caution.

It can be concluded that, especially in men, soy consumption fits in a healthy lifestyle.

Regular soy‐consuming women differed from infrequent soy‐consuming women on anthropometrics and cholesterol, while regular consuming men differed behaviorally from infrequent soy‐consuming men. Overall, regular soy consumers were generally more health‐conscious and had better health outcomes.