The Adaptive Capital Scale (AdCap): Construct Development and Psychometric Evaluation among Indonesian Generation Z

Introduction The rapid technological and social transformations of the 21st century have created volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions, further intensified by the brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible (BANI) context. While numerous theoretical frameworks have outlined the dispositions and competencies required to navigate such environments, empirically psychological instruments capable of assessing the adaptive psychological capital of Generation Z in Indonesia remain limited. This study aims to develop and validate the adaptive capital (AdCap) Scale, a multidimensional construct designed to measure the personal resources that enable individuals to respond effectively to change and uncertainty. Methods This research employed a cross-sectional observational design that integrated expert judgment through the Delphi method with subsequent psychometric testing using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Nine psychology experts defined four dimensions of adaptive capital: toughness, innovativeness, independence, and wisdom. An initial pool of 60 items was assessed for content validity by six psychologists and psychometricians. The instrument was then subjected to CFA based on responses from 1,010 undergraduate students. Reliability was examined using Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Results The Delphi procedure yielded an adaptive capital scale for Generation Z, consisting of four dimensions: toughness, innovativeness, independence, and wisdom. The PLS-SEM analysis showed that the toughnes s dimension retained 14 statistically significant items, innovativeness retained 11 items, independence retained 10 items, and wisdom retained 12 items. All retained items met the loading threshold of p > 0.50. The four dimensions demonstrated significant correlations with the AdCap construct ( r = 0.695–0.879, p < 0.01). Although several AVE values fell below 0.50, the CR values ranged from 0.700 to 0.814, suggesting acceptable internal consistency. Discussion The study developed and validated the AdCap Scale, delineating four key dimensions, toughness, innovativeness, independence, and wisdom, as salient psychological resources for Generation Z in the VUCA–BANI context. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the construct’s reliability and theoretical grounding within COR Theory and Positive Organizational Behavior. Findings highlighted toughness as the strongest contributor, while innovativeness, independence, and wisdom enhanced adaptive functioning through creativity, autonomy, and ethical reflection. The framework offers a culturally sensitive model relevant to Indonesian youth, foregrounding both resilience and moral agency. Conclusion The AdCap Scale demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and provides a theoretically grounded measure of adaptive psychological resources. Interpreted through the lenses of Conservation of Resources Theory, Psychological Capital, and Positive Organizational Behavior frameworks, AdCap reflects the integrative interplay of endurance, creativity, autonomy, and moral reflection. It offers a culturally relevant and practical tool for strengthening Generation Z’s adaptability in the complex realities of the BANI era.