The reliability and validity test of the Revised Indebtedness Scale for Chinese university students

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Revised Indebtedness Scale (IS-R-C) in mainland China. Methods A total of 1057 university students participated in this study using the whole group sampling method. Sample 1, consisting of 537 participants, was used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Revised Indebtedness Scale (IS-R). Sample 2, comprising 520 participants, was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability analysis. To test criterion validity, the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS), the Renqing Questionnaire and the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWBS) were administered. Furthermore, a subgroup of 96 participants from sample 2 was employed to evaluate the test-retest reliability. Results The results of the item analysis and EFA showed that the IS-R-C consists of 12 items, which can be categorized into two dimensions: pressure to repay and requirements for interaction. CFA further supported this two-factor model for the IS-R-C. The scale demonstrated a significant positive correlation of 0.34 (p < 0.001) with SAD and 0.34 (p < 0.001) with renqing, while exhibiting a negative correlation of -0.09 (p < 0.05) with SWB. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the overall IS-R-C score was 0.88, indicating high internal consistency. Furthermore, the scale demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability with a correlation coefficient of 0.68 (p < 0.001) after a four-week interval. Conclusion The IS-R-C demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, including strong reliability and validity, making it a suitable measure for studying indebtedness and related research in China.