Psychometric validation of the brief Chinese psychological well-being scale in a sample of Mainland Chinese adolescents

Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) has been widely used to assess eudaimonic well-being in adults and older populations within the framework of positive psychology. However, concerns have been raised regarding its length, factorial structure, and suitability for younger groups, particularly Chinese adolescents. While several abbreviated versions in different languages exist, few were specifically designed for adolescent samples, and many have demonstrated inadequate model fit and internal reliability. The brief Chinese PWBS version (BC-PWBS), developed by Chan et al. (2019), was translated and adapted for use in Chinese populations. While prior studies have supported its reliability and validity in Hong Kong adults and adolescents, its psychometric performance among adolescents in Mainland China has not yet been thoroughly investigated. A total of 855 Chinese adolescents aged 15–18 years in a sample of Northeast China completed the 24-item BC-PWBS. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis and convergent/discriminant indices (CR and AVE). Criterion-related validity was determined by correlating BC-PWBS scores with the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES). Multi-group CFA was employed to test measurement invariance across gender and age categories. Participants completed the 24-item scale in a single administration. The BC-PWBS demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω > 0.95). CFA supported the theorized six-factor model with acceptable fit (CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.069 [90% CI = 0.066–0.073], SRMR = 0.046). Criterion validity was supported by significant positive correlations between the BC-PWBS and the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), consistent with theoretical expectations. Furthermore, the scale exhibited configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender and age groups, indicating structural stability and supporting its appropriateness for subgroup comparisons. The present findings offer strong evidence for the psychometric soundness of the BC-PWBS among mainland Chinese adolescents, supporting its use as a concise measure for assessing psychological well-being in this population and establishing a foundation for future cross-cultural and developmental research.