Second-order Factor Structure Research Articles

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale among Chinese College Students.

Body image flexibility is a specific type of psychological flexibility relevant to body image. The development of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale (BIFIS) expands the concept and structure of body image flexibility and provides more detailed measurement indicators for theoretical research and clinical practice. However, the tool's applicability to the Chinese population is still unclear. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the BIFIS among Chinese college students. A total of 1446 Chinese college students were surveyed and completed a series of scales, including the Chinese version of the BIFIS (i.e., C-BIFIS). A total of 99 participants were retested one month later. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the second-order factor structure of the BIFIS. The C-BIFIS showed measurement invariance across genders. The scale also exhibited good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The higher-order body image flexibility and inflexibility factors were significantly correlated with unidimensional body image flexibility, body satisfaction, body appreciation, intuitive eating, and life satisfaction. Incremental validity tests indicated that two higher-order factors remained unique predictors of intuitive eating and life satisfaction. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the BIFIS has good psychometric properties and could be used to study body image flexibility in Chinese college student populations.

Acculturation Orientations Among Immigrant-Origin Youth: How is Acculturation Associated with Self-Esteem, Sense of Belonging, and Discrimination?

AbstractWe developed a six-item Compact Acculturation Scale (CAS) based on common items on comprehensive acculturation scales and examined it with two designs using data from the Finnish Annual Youth Future Report Survey of 2023 (N = 744 immigrant-origin youth, IOY). In Study 1, we first confirmed second-order factorial structure of CAS and its convergent validity. Second, using structural equation modelling, we found that the relation of acculturation with self-esteem was ambivalent among recently migrated youth who perceived discrimination. Established immigrant-origin youth who reported discrimination were more likely to prefer an ethnic orientation. In Study 2, we examined acculturation profiles among immigrant-origin youth based on CAS variables, and the relationship of profiles with self-esteem, perceived discrimination, and sense of belonging. Six profiles were found: Medium integration (49%), High integration (22%), Neo-culture kid (15%), Separation (6%), Assimilation (6%), and Marginalized (2%). Both integration profiles were associated with high self-esteem and sense of belonging. Third largest profile was characterized by rejecting both host and heritage cultures, but unlike Marginalized, they reported enjoying both in-group and host-peer relations. In sum, this study shows that CAS is a reliable and robust instrument that can serve us in investigating acculturation both by variable- and person-oriented approaches.

Dimensionality and cross-language invariance of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among Indian adolescents and adults.

Sleep quality, key to physical and mental health, requires regular assessment in clinical and non-clinical settings. Despite widespread use, the dimensionality of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is debated, and its Hindi version's factor structure remains unexplored. Our study evaluates the PSQI's dimensionality among Indian adolescents and adults aiming to demonstrate cross-language (Hindi and English) invariance of its factor structure. The PSQI showed satisfactory item reliability, and a best-fitting two-factor model: "sleep efficiency" (comprising sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency), and "perceived sleep quality" (comprising remaining five PSQI components). This model showed configural invariance across age groups, sexes, and languages. Metric invariance was noted across age groups, but a partial metric non-invariance was observed across languages and sexes as reflected by differences in factor loadings. The second-order factor structure model had an excellent fit indicating the usefulness of aggregate scores of the two factors as a single index of sleep quality. Our findings better support a two-factor structure of sleep quality (both for English and Hindi versions of PSQI) in India. However, further validation in diverse clinical and non-clinical samples is warranted.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Italian version of the Active-Empathic Listening Scale among undergraduate nursing students: a three phase validation study

AimTo translate, culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of an Italian version of the Active Empathic Listening Scale (AELS-It) for first year students on a Bachelor degree in nursing. BackgroundActive and empathic listening is characterised by the active and emotional involvement of the listener and is particularly important for nurses to understand and address patients’ needs. When nurses demonstrate to patients that they are active and empathic listeners, it leads to deeper engagement and trust, strengthens the nurse-patient relationship and enhances the quality of care. Consequently, it is essential to incorporate active and empathic listening into nursing education, as it equips future nurses to communicate and respond to patients’ needs effectively. AELS is a tool that measures active and empathic listening styles. To the best of our knowledge, no study has validated and psychometrically tested AELS among nursing students and no studies have examined the application of the AELS scale within the Italian context. DesignA three-phase cross-sectional validation study. MethodsThe tool was first translated into Italian and adapted according to the recommendations of Beaton et al. (2000). A panel of 12 experts in nursing education evaluated the face and content validity. The psychometric properties of the Italian AELS (AELS-It) were assessed in a sample of nursing students. The dimensionality and construct validity of the tool were tested through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was estimated using both traditional and composite methods. ResultsA total of 207 students were included. The overall content validity index was 0.9. The exploratory factor analysis confirmed a three factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a second-order factor structure with adequate fit indices. The reliability of the second-order factor analysis for the scale was adequate, with Cronbach’s α (0.877) and Composite-ω (0.875). ConclusionsThe Italian version of AELS-It proved to be a reliable tool to test active empathic listening in Italian nursing students and it could be a useful instrument in nursing education.

Parental mental health and reporting of their child's behaviour: measurement invariance of the French version of the parental strengths and difficulties questionnaire.

Symptomatic effects of mental disorders in parents could bias their reporting on their child's mental health. This study aimed to investigate the measurement invariance of the French version of the parental Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) across parental mental health in a sample (N = 20,765) of parents of children aged 3 to 17years in France. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM) were used to evaluate the fit of three known alternative SDQ factor structures (five, three, or second-order factor structures). Invariance was tested across parental mental health (present anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychiatric history) and across socio-demographic characteristics (child's age, child's gender, parent's gender, parent's educational level). CFA models showed a poor fit, while all ESEM models achieved acceptable or good fit, with the five-factor model presenting the best fit. Invariance was observed for all characteristics tested, indicating that the SDQ can be used to study the links between parental mental health and their child's mental health without bias. However, ESEM showed that the hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems dimensions were not well differentiated in the French version of the SDQ.

Measurement Invariance of FFWEL Scores of Helping Professionals by Sex and Race Across U.S. and Filipino Samples

Objective This study explored the structure validity and sex and country measurement invariance for Filipino and U.S. adults using the Five Factor Wellness Inventory (FFWEL-A2). Method Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance were conducted to determine consistency of responses across sex and country categories. Factorial ANOVAs were used to determine differences by sex, race, and country. Results The hypothesized 5-factor and second-order factor structure of the FFWEL provided equivalent but poor to adequate fit to the data in a large sample (N = 2,071) of U.S. and a smaller sample (N = 269) of Filipino counselors and counselors-in-training. Coefficients α were >0.80 for almost all domain scores, but only five of the 17 facet scores met the 0.80 criterion. Weak measurement invariance was evident for men (n = 502) and women (N = 1838) across both the U.S. White and Filipino group comparisons. Conclusions Counselors should take care to explore the way they and clients understand wellness and consider that not everyone will have the same understanding of the individual factors as outlined in the FFWEL-A2, especially among male, female, and diverse people from different countries. Significance statement Wellness is an ethical and professional imperative for counselors to avoid professional impairment and burn out. In this study, scores on the FFWEL-A2, a prominent measure of wellness, displayed partially biased measures of male and female scores across U.S. and Filipino samples and across diverse racial groups, probably due to complexity of the wellness model.

Development and psychometric evidence of the Academic Engagement Scale (USAES) in Mexican college students.

School engagement is considered an effective college dropout antidote; therefore, understanding the construct, its underpinnings, and its effects remains critical for scholars. Although several scholars have offered multiple scales to measure engagement, their use has been hindered by significant limitations. This study sought to develop a scale to measure academic engagement by unifying and improving existing work and theories that resulted in a three-dimensional measurement model (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive). The items included were validated by a group of experts who ensured that the wording of the items captured the uniqueness of the college experience. A sample of 992 Mexican college students was used to test the fit of a second-order three-dimensional factor model of school engagement. The sample was randomly split in two for model cross-validation. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that student engagement is a three-dimensional construct, with evidence that supports the hypothesized second-order engagement factor structure (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive). The stability of these models was confirmed by using an independent sample. Measurement invariance by gender was found in this model. Then, differences in latent factor means were analyzed. Finally, the scale showed discriminant and concurrent validity. These results indicate that the scale is theoretically and psychometrically grounded for measuring college students' school engagement.

Validity and reliability of the transculturally adapted Spanish version of the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS)

BackgroundThere is a need for pragmatic and reliable measures of sound factors that affect evidence-based practice (EBP) adoption and implementation in different languages and cultural environments. The Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS) is a brief and efficient measurement tool of strategic leadership for EBP implementation. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ILS.MethodsThe process of translation of the original ILS into Spanish consisted of forward translation, panel meeting, and back-translation. Scale face and content validity compared to that of the original version were assessed and ensured before agreement on the final version. Psychometric properties were examined in 144 healthcare professionals (family physicians, pediatricians, practice and pediatric nurses) involved in implementation or improvement research projects. ILS factor structure was tested by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed by internal consistency analysis. The Pearson correlation between the ILS and the Organizational Support dimension of the Organizational Readiness for Knowledge Translation (OR4KT) questionnaire in the subsample of pediatricians and pediatric nurses (n = 52) was estimated for convergent validity analysis.ResultsThe CFA results indicated that the original four theorized first-order factors with a second-order Implementation Leadership factor fit the data well (χ2 = 107.70; df = 45; p < 0.001). All standardized first- and second-order factor loadings were statistically significant. Fit indexes showed acceptable figures (GFI = 0.90; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.10; SRMR = 0.053). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the four dimensions of ILS ranged from 0.90 to 0.97, while the reliability estimated for the total scale was 0.95. Results of convergent validity revealed high correlation (r = 0.56) between the ILS and the OR4KT’s Organizational Support dimension.ConclusionThe CFA results demonstrated that the tested first- and second-order factor structure of the 12-item Spanish version of the ILS is consistent with the factor structure of the original tool. The availability of the ILS will allow Spanish-speaking researchers to assess and advance understanding of the implementation leadership construct as a predictor of organizational implementation context.

Inhabiting the body: Exploring the link between embodiment and identity in community adolescents

The intricate relationship between the body and identity has been highlighted in previous studies. However, a holistic approach to the body that focuses on embodiment is lacking in research examining body - identity linkages. The current study (N = 917 adolescents; 58% female; Mage = 16.17, range = 14–19 years) examined the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Experience of Embodiment Scale (EES) and explored the link between embodiment and personal identity. First, confirmatory factor analysis revealed a second-order factor structure for the EES and adequate reliability coefficients were obtained. Metric invariance across gender was demonstrated for the first- and second-order factors. Second, path analysis demonstrated that experiencing embodiment was positively associated with adaptive identity work. Third, five identity statuses emerged using cluster analysis. Adolescents in statuses reflecting less adaptive identity functioning displayed lower levels of embodiment. The EES shows promising indications of reliability and factor structure for assessing adolescents’ Experience of Embodiment, and the present study demonstrates that embodiment is meaningfully related to identity functioning. These findings support the call for the adoption of a positive psychology framework within this research field, with attention given to more broadly defined body-related concepts such as embodiment.

MEDIATING ROLE OF SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL FACTORS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD ATTACHMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PENANG, MALAYSIA

Many studies have examined the impact of social factors on neighbourhood attachment. However, more studies need to be on the mediating effect of the sense of belonging in a built environment. This study aims to investigate its mediating role in the relationship between social factors and neighbourhood attachment in two neighbourhoods in Penang Island, Malaysia. A sample of 362 residents was requested to answer a questionnaire survey with a Likert scale to measure the residents' assessment of social factors, neighbourhood attachment level and sense of belonging. Neighbourhood attachment is a second-order factor structure assessed by a first-order factor structure that includes place dependence and social bonding. The social factor is also a second-order construct with two dimensions: social trust and social support. The findings were then analysed by structural equation modelling. These results support the theoretical findings in the literature that social factors significantly affect the sense of belonging and neighbourhood attachment. The results also support the mediating role of a sense of belonging in the relationship between social factors and neighbourhood attachment. Fostering social trust and support within neighbourhoods is crucial for promoting neighbourhood attachment. This can be achieved through community-building activities and community-shared places. By fostering social trust and support, neighbourhoods can become vibrant, thriving communities where individuals feel a sense of belonging and connection.

INFLUENCING FACTORS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD ATTACHMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PENANG, MALAYSIA

Many studies have examined the influencing factors of neighbourhood attachment. However, there are relatively lesser empirical studies regarding the influencing factors of neighbourhood attachment in the aftermath of COVID-19. This study investigates the influencing factors of neighbourhood attachment in two Penang Island, Malaysia neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood attachment is a second-order factor structure assessed by a first-order factor structure that includes place dependence and social bonding. A questionnaire survey with a Likert scale was used to measure the residents’ assessment of economic, physical and social factors as well as neighbourhood attachment level. The findings were then analysed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). These results support the theoretical findings in the literature that economic, physical and social factors affect neighbourhood attachment. Social factors are the most substantial influencing factors of neighbourhood attachment among the three factors. Neighbourhood attachment comprises multiple factors and processes rather than just one. Social interactions, cultural practices, environmental factors, and other experiences all contribute to the development of attachment. It can encourage residents to stay for a more extended time or permanently by fostering neighbourhood attachment. Therefore, this study can serve as a guide for community stakeholders to design attractive neighbourhoods that evoke pleasant memories and sentiments, which in turn encourage a sense of neighbourhood attachment.

Examining the Second-Order Factor Structure of the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Scale.

The gender minority stress and resilience (GMSR) theory and associated measure are widely utilized in research investigating the stress, resilience, and psychological health experiences of gender nonconforming (GNC) individuals. GMSR theory specifies that distal stress and proximal stress experiences adversely affect the psychological health of GNC individuals, while resilience factors help buffer against these deleterious impacts. Moreover, GMSR theory clearly specifies a second-order factor structure such that distal stress experiences are comprised of gender-based victimization, rejection, discrimination, and non-affirmation; proximal stress experiences are comprised of internalized transphobia, negative expectations for the future, and gender identity nondisclosure; and pride and community connectedness constitute resilience factors. However, despite widespread use of the GMSR measure, including validating its use among Italian, Spanish, and adolescent GNC individuals, all research to date has only queried the first-order factor structure of the measure. The present study therefore evaluated the second-order factor structure of the GMSR measure among a sample of 234 GNC college students. Results suggested that the second-order factor structure provided a reasonable fit to the data but did not fit the data exceptionally well. Moreover, results suggested that the first-order factor structure with correlated factors provided a better fit to the data than did the second-order model. Thus, while this study found support for the second-order factor structure, it appears that the first-order structure may be better suited for research use. Secondarily, the GMSR measure appears valid for use among GNC undergraduates. Additional research is needed to further validate the measure's second-order factor structure, and future research should consider trimming redundant items from the GMSR to address known fit issues.

The development of the revised COPE 68 inventory with English and Slovak versions.

Although there have been several attempts at improving the COPE Inventory, the factor structure of the instrument is still in dispute. In addition, studies have shown low reliability coefficients for some of the first-order factors, with Mental Disengagement having the lowest factor loadings. In a recent study on the external validation of the instrument, two additional first-order factors were identified in the qualitative analysis, namely Self-care and Care for Others. Based on these arguments we created the Revised COPE 68 Inventory, changing some of the problematic items in the first order factor Mental Disengagement and adding items for the two new factors (Self-care and Care for Others). We then tested its reliability and performed factor analyses on the first and second-order factorial structure. The data were collected through social media in two languages, English and Slovak, using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The English sample contained 834 participants with mean age 25.27 years (SD = 8.467) and the Slovak sample comprised 1,425 participants with mean age 33 years (SD = 14.59). For the statistical analyses we used Exploratory Structural Equation Model (ESEM) analyses with target rotation and WLSMV, Exploratory and second-order confirmatory factor analysis with the scores of the COPE Inventory and EFA. The Revised COPE 68 inventory had a good fit for all 17 first-order factors in both languages, including for the new factors Self-care and Care for Others. It appears that the first-order factors form a three-factor solution in both samples, consisting of active coping, social-emotional coping and avoidant coping. The revised Mental Disengagement has better psychometric properties as well. The Revised COPE 68 inventory was found to be a reliable multidimensional instrument for measuring various coping strategies in both the English and Slovak language versions.

Festive nostalgia in COVID-19: an empirical investigation

ABSTRACT The COVID−19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of positive memories. Therefore, our study develops a measurement instrument for festive nostalgia, composed of seven dimensions and measured through 28 items. A rigorous scale development process was adopted and validated through two main studies. While a convenience sample (303 participants) was used to assess the initial validity through exploratory factor analysis, a final sample of 412 respondents was used to assess the second-order factor structure of festive nostalgia through CFA and structural equation modelling. Findings suggest festive nostalgia can significantly predict intention to recommend and revisit intentions. Also, the study suggested that festive nostalgia is manifested through festivals, festive experience, festive environment, festive socialization, festive identity, cultural identity and festive activity involvement. Based on the findings, managers of festive destinations can formulate strategies to draw tourists willing to participate in festivals and develop the attractiveness of such destinations.

The effects of diningscape on customer satisfaction and word of mouth

PurposeRestaurant dining is an important part of people's live, and the restaurant industry is one of the largest industries in the hospitality sector. Thus, this study explores the effects of restaurant diningscape on customer satisfaction and word of mouth.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review on restaurant servicescape and special functions of dining spaces, diningscape was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. Data were collected from 378 restaurant patrons using snowball sampling in Macao, China. The validity and reliability of constructs were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the proposed hypotheses between constructs.FindingsResults showed that diningscape has a second-order factor structure consisting of five dimensions, namely food and drinks, service quality, servicescape, social functions and soundscape. Diningscape positively influences customer satisfaction and word of mouth.Practical implicationsSocial function is the dominant factor of diningscape while female customers are more sensitive towards food and drinks, service quality, servicescape and soundscape. Thus, restaurants should not overcrowd their premises. Additionally, restaurants must strive to provide a wide variety of food and drinks, show service intimacy and be decorated specially with appropriate sonic environment as female customers can have a big influence on where to dine.Originality/valueThe study reveals that diningscape is multidimensional and shall be characterized in a holistic manner. Additionally, it helps restaurant managers to focus on the more important features, such as social functions, and food and drinks that customers value most.

Factorial Equivalence of the Social Skills Scale in the Lambayeque University Context According to Sex

This study aimed to show whether the theoretical model of the social skills construct, proposed by Gismero (2000), is invariant in male and female samples of Peruvian university students from Lambayeque. In order to meet the proposed objective, a non-experimental, cross-sectional, comparative psychometric design by hierarchical confirmatory procedures was chosen. Two samples of university students were used, one of 1,084 female students and the other of 1,043 male students. Both groups were applied the self-report of social skills (EHS). With the data obtained, a confirmatory factor analysis of the first-order factor structure of the social skills construct was performed in each group, based on the polychoric correlation matrix. The invariance of the scale according to sex was evaluated on the basis of the second-order factor structure, by means of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis of nested models. No significant differences in the fit to the data were found between the two-factor second-order factor structure and the alternative one-factor model. Consecutive tests of configurational invariance, disturbance, and first- and second-order metrics gave evidence, respectively, that the model structure, second-order factor errors, and first- and second-order loadings are equivalent in the two study samples. With the data from the study, it is concluded that the structure of the EHS scale is invariant to the sex variable in the Lambayeque context.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 21 December 2022 / Accepted: 6 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023

A Preliminary Psychometric Investigation of a Chinese Version of Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ)

Athlete engagement is one of the key indicators of athletes' positive psychology. It plays a crucial role in coping with burnout and disengagement, creating a flow experience, and improving their competitive ability and performance. In the last two decades, a mountain of literature has focused on engagement in different research settings. In the world of sports, the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ) has been proven to be a reliable instrument to access athletes' engagement at both amateur and elite levels. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of AEQ. The original English athlete engagement questionnaire was translated into Chinese using the method of back-translation for data collection. Subsequently, 379 samples were performed for data analysis, mainly focusing on confirmatory factor analysis to examine the four-factor and second-order factor structures of 16 items measuring athlete engagement. The results reproduced four components of AEQ, which included a total of 16 items. The instrument demonstrated acceptable composite reliability (.887 to .905) and convergent validity (> 0.5), except that the discriminant validity was slightly insufficient. The results showed that the Chinese version of AEQ as a second-order factor structure is better than the four-factor structure, that is, athlete engagement as an overarching construct composed of four factors: confidence, dedication, enthusiasm, and vigor. The findings offer a useful and reliable instrument for athlete engagement, which helps researchers better capture the experience and engagement of athletes in the Chinese sports context.

Willingness to Compromise Scale: Italian Validation and Assessment of the Relationship with Career Decision Self-Efficacy and Career Adaptability during School-to-Work Transition.

Willingness to compromise is defined as the propensity to accept an alternative career-related option that was not the one initially desired. In the literature, there is a validated scale for measuring willingness to compromise but not an Italian validation. Thus, Study 1 aimed to test the psychometric proprieties of the Willingness to Compromise Scale in a sample of 282 Italian university students. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed showing a second-order factorial structure with two well-separated first-order factors, i.e., compromising and adapting. Study 2 focused on the predicting role of willingness to compromise on career decision self-efficacy and the mediating role of career adaptability in this relationship. The sample consisted of 237 Italian university students. A mediation analysis with a 5000-bootstrap resampling procedure was computed. The results showed that willingness to compromise predicts both career decision self-efficacy and career adaptability, while career adaptability mediates the relationship between willingness to compromise and career decision self-efficacy. These findings allowed the discussion of practical implications for career guidance intervention aimed to support school-to-work transitions.

Factorial validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Negative Physical Self Scale in a sample of men residing in North America.

The Negative Physical Self Scale (NPSS) is a measure of body dissatisfaction that was developed for administration within an Asian sample and has recently been translated to English and validated for use in North American female samples. The aim of the present study was to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the English-translated version of the NPSS across three ethnic groups (i.e., Caucasian, Asian, and other) using a sample of men residing in North America. Additionally, the internal consistency, convergent validity, and incremental validity of the NPSS were examined. A sample of 534 young (aged between 18 and 25) North American men completed self-report measures of the NPSS, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and the Male Body Attitudes Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on two hypothesized models. The results supported the second-order factor structure (four factors with three subdimensions). Overall, we found that the factor structure and factor loadings of the NPSS were equal in participants across three broad ethnic categories (i.e., Caucasian, Asian, and other). Likewise, the NPSS displayed first-order scalar invariance. Further, the NPSS test scores demonstrated high internal consistency, strong convergent validity, and incremental validity over and above the existing measures of body dissatisfaction, body attitudes, and disordered eating. In sum, the English version of the NPSS is a valid and appropriate measure to assess body dissatisfaction in men residing in North America. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Social Media Disorder, Mental Health, and Validation of the Chinese Version of 27-Item Social Media Disorder Scale in Chinese College Students

ObjectiveWith the widespread use of social media, excessive use of social media may lead to problematic behaviors such as social media disorder, which has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health. Thus, it is an urgent need to provide a measurement tool to assess social media addiction in different cultures. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of 27-item Social Media Disorder (SMD) Scale (developed using the diagnostic criteria of DSM-V Internet Gaming Disorder) in college students, and to verify its impact on mental health.MethodsTwo online surveys were conducted among a total of 1,539 Chinese college students, including 1,316 subjects in sample 1 and 223 subjects in sample 2. The discrimination, criterion validity, construct validity and reliability of the Chinese version of SMD-27 scale were examined.ResultsThe Chinese version of SMD-27 scale showed excellent psychometric properties. The item-total correlation coefficients of the scale ranged from 0.31 to 0.56, and the item-dimension correlations of the scale ranged from 0.459 to 0.834. Findings from confirmatory factor analysis indicated a great fit of the model of the Chinese version of SMD-27, with CFI = 0.956, TLI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.036 in sample one and CFI = 0.970, TLI = 0.967, RMSEA = 0.040 in sample two, thus confirming the second-order factor structure of the scale. The SMD-27 scale showed good internal consistency between two different samples with their respective Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 and 0.92, and good test-retest reliability over a period of 1 month. In addition, multiple regression results generally supported the impact of social media addiction on mental health.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that the Chinese version of SMD-27 scale is applicable to Chinese college populations, and it is a promising tool for the study of social media addiction in China.