Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Subjective Vitality Scale: evidence from Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong

This study translates the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) into Chinese and examines its factor structure and measurement invariance in a sample of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.

Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong were invited to participate in the study. Four models of the SVS (a 7-item model, two 6-item models and a 5-item model) were compared using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and the criterion validity was assessed using bivariate correlations between subjective vitality and positive and negative affect. Finally, measurement invariance across genders and time points was examined to evaluate the invariance of the SVS model.

The results of the CFA analysis indicated that the 5-item measurement model fit the data better than the other three models. The Cronbach’s alpha was above 0.70 (0.92), revealing excellent internal consistency reliability, and the SVS was significantly associated with positive affect and negatively associated with negative affect, indicating criterion validity. Finally, the measurement invariance analysis of the 5-item model displayed strict invariance across genders and time points.

The results support the 5-item measurement model of the Chinese version of the SVS. This model has excellent internal consistency reliability, supports the criterion validity of the instrument and demonstrates strict invariance across genders and time points. In summary, the findings suggest that the 5-item Chinese version of the SVS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the subjective vitality of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.