Psychometric properties of the Career and Talent Development Self-Efficacy Scale when used with Chinese university students

Abstract

In recent years, increasing importance has been placed on enhancing the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies of university students in China related to career and talent development. There is therefore an increasing need for guidance activities and assessment tools for this purpose. In this study, we examined the validity, reliability (internal consistency) and factorial structure of the Career and Talent Development Self-Efficacy Scale (CTD-SES) using a sample of 466 university students in the Chinese mainland. Results from exploratory factor analyses suggested some necessary modifications to the original “three primary factors plus higher factor” model underpinning the CTD-SES. Goodness of fit was improved through specific path modifications to the original model, as assessed by confirmatory factor analyses. The present study supported the psychometric properties of the CTD-SES when used with a different age group and in a different Chinese community from that used in the original study in Hong Kong.