The development and core characteristics of the Chinese juvenile criminal propensity scale

Abstract Objective This study aimed to develop the Juvenile Criminal Propensity Questionnaire (JCPS) and evaluate its reliability, validity, measurement invariance across gender and groups, and core features. Methods Based on criminological theories and existing domestic and international instruments for assessing criminal propensity, an initial questionnaire was constructed. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were conducted with a sample of 206 incarcerated juveniles. A second sample of 2281 participants—including students from regular schools, students from special schools and incarcerated juveniles in a juvenile detention centre—was used to perform confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability and validity testing, measurement invariance assessment, and network analysis. Results (1) The finalized JCPS comprised 32 items with high discriminative power. CFA supported a four‐factor, third‐order model with satisfactory fit indices. (2) The questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .91) and good test–retest reliability (0.86). (3) Criminal propensity was significantly and negatively correlated with brief self‐control and belief in a just world, and significantly and positively correlated with moral disengagement and conduct problem tendency. (4) The JCPS exhibited strong measurement invariance across gender and weak invariance across groups. (5) Network analysis revealed distinct core features of juvenile criminal propensity in different contexts, providing targeted intervention points. Conclusion The JCPS demonstrates sound psychometric properties and can serve as an effective tool for assessing juvenile criminal propensity. Its identified core features offer novel, stratified pathways for preventing juvenile offending.