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Dimensionality of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analyses

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Abstract

This paper examines the dimensionality and factorial invariance of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale (CPYDS) using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MCFA). Secondary 1 students (N = 5,649) responded to the CPYDS in the context of a positive youth development program. Results showed that there are 15 basic dimensions of the CPYDS which are subsumed under four higher-order factors (i.e., cognitive-behavioral competencies, prosocial attributes, positive identity and general positive youth development qualities). Evidence of factorial invariance in terms of configuration, first-order factor loadings, second-order factor loadings, intercepts of measured variable, and intercepts of first-order latent factor, was found. The findings suggest that the CPYDS has stable dimensions that can be used to assess positive youth development in Chinese adolescents.

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Acknowledgments

The preparation for this paper and the Project P.A.T.H.S. were financially supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

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  1. Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Daniel T. L. Shek & Cecilia M. S. Ma

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  1. Daniel T. L. Shek
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  2. Cecilia M. S. Ma
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Correspondence to Daniel T. L. Shek.

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Shek, D.T.L., Ma, C.M.S. Dimensionality of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analyses. Soc Indic Res 98, 41–59 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9515-9

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