Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Buss–Warren Aggression Questionnaire

Abstract

A Chinese version of the Buss–Warren Aggression Questionnaire (BWAQ; Buss & Warren, 2000) was developed by translating scale items into Chinese and subjecting them to standard validation procedures. Confirmatory factor analysis via structural equation modeling was used to assess construct validity. Participants ( N = 541) completed all 34 items of the translated BWAQ; a sub-sample ( n = 261) also completed the Chinese Anger Rumination Scale (Chinese ARS; Maxwell, Sukhodolsky, Chow, & Wong, 2005). Buss and Warren’s original four factor scale replicated in the Chinese sample, as did a 15 item short version. Scores on the long and short versions were highly correlated and both demonstrated moderate internal reliability. Evidence for criterion validity was provided by the scale’s sensitivity to differing levels of aggression in males and females. Convergent and discriminant validity received partial support from the pattern of correlations with the Chinese ARS. The Chinese version of the BWAQ seems reliable and may be useful for future research and clinical assessment.