Factor analysis vs. latent trait analysis

Hi,

we are doing analysis of questionaires with likert type items (e.g. from 1 to 5). To extract the factors from the data factor analysis (in SPSS) has been used. I suggested to use latent trait analysis within Mplus. However, it seems that the factors found with factor analysis are better interpretable than the factors found with latent trait analysis.

From a statistical point of view I think that latent trait analysis would fit much better to the problem than factor analysis. Should we nevertheless rely the results of the factor analysis?

Thanks a lot in advance

Sigbert Klinke
.