Chinese version of the Simplified Psychological Flexibility Scale-6 (C-Psy-Flex): study of its psychometric properties from the perspective of classical test theory and network analysis

Abstract

Existing measures of psychological flexibility have demonstrated certain limitations, highlighting the critical need for the development of a more comprehensive assessment tool that encompasses all facets of psychological flexibility. In response to this necessity, we have developed the 6-item Psychological Flexibility Scale (C-Psy-Flex) as a concise instrument designed to evaluate individuals' psychological flexibility comprehensively. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Psy-Flex among Chinese college students and teachers. A total of 1511 valid responses were collected, and participants completed the Chinese version of the Psy-Flex, along with several other questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis with 6 factors and 6 items was conducted on Sample 1 (n=756). Confirmatory factor analysis on Sample 2 (n=755) demonstrated good fit for a single-factor structure (χ2 =21.17, df=8, P<0.001, CFI=0.989, TLI=0.980, RMSEA=0.047, RMSEA 90% CI [0.023, 0.071], SRMR=0.020). Measurement invariance testing indicated strict equivalence of the Chinese version of Psy-Flex across different gender and sample groups. Psychological flexibility was significantly positively associated with life satisfaction, indicators of physical and mental health, and value questionnaire scores, and significantly negatively associated with negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress) and experiential avoidance. Network analysis visualization techniques were used to further confirm the factor structure of the scale, providing additional evidence of the scale's structural consistency and internal coherence. The Chinese version of the psychological flexibility scale demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.82, 95% CI [0.810, 0.840], and a McDonald's ω coefficient of 0.83, 95% CI [0.811, 0.841]. Overall, the study found that the Chinese version of the Psychological Flexibility Scale demonstrated good reliability and validity.