Beyond the Screen: Developing and Validating an Instrument for Digital Creative Behavior

Digital technologies have reshaped how individuals engage in creative activities, highlighting the need for updated and valid instruments to assess digital creative behavior. This study developed and examined the Digital Creative Behavior Instrument (DCBI) using two samples of university students in Taiwan ( N = 300 and N = 412). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses generally supported a three-factor structure: (1) digital media creativity and engagement, (2) digital video editing and production, and (3) digital artwork and design. Overall, the pattern of fit indices (CFI, RMSEA, and SRMR) suggested that the model fit was within a reasonable range for interpretation, although the TLI fell slightly below conventional benchmarks. Evidence of reliability and initial construct validity was observed. Openness to experience was positively associated with digital creative behavior, although the magnitude of the associations was small, providing preliminary support for criterion-related validity. The findings offer initial psychometric support for the DCBI and suggest directions for further refinement and validation in future research. This study contributes to creativity research and offers a basis for educators and researchers to assess digital creative engagement in contemporary contexts.