Validating the Chinese social network index: network size centrality, loneliness as a bridge, and social motivations

The Social Network Index (SNI) is a self-report measure developed to evaluate the size, structure, and activity of an individual's social network. Although egocentric social network measures are widely used in Western contexts, few have been rigorously validated or commonly adopted in China. Moreover, the interaction between structural features of social networks and social motivations remains underexplored in interpersonal settings. To address this gap, we adapted and validated a Chinese version of the SNI and investigated its associations with two social motivations: desire for acceptance and avoidance of rejection.Using a sample of 419 college students, we assessed the reliability and convergent validity of the Chinese SNI. Network analysis was employed to examine the relationships between social network structure and social motivations. Results indicated that the revised Chinese SNI exhibits good reliability and validity, effectively measuring social network size, diversity, and activity. Within the network of social network features and motivations, social network size emerged as the node with the highest strength and expected influence. It exerted a substantial impact on both structural characteristics and subjective social motivations, with loneliness acting as a key mediator. This mediating role may help explain how social network size promotes network expansion, diversity, and activity.Notably, the adapted instrument incorporates cultural considerations specific to the Chinese context, including traditional relational norms (e.g., chaxugeju) and contemporary digital communication practices. These adaptations improve its relevance and accuracy in capturing social networks within modern Chinese society.