Background This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2-C) and its short form (BFI-2-S-C) in adolescent football players. It addresses a critical gap in personality assessment within Chinese sport contexts. Methods A cross-sectional validation study was conducted with 450 adolescent football players (52.2% male; mean age = 12.94 ± 0.78 years) from 24 schools across 12 urban centers in Shandong Province, China. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using robust maximum-likelihood (MLR) estimation assessed structural validity. Reliability was evaluated through composite reliability coefficients and test–retest stability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. Construct validity examination included convergent validity (factor loadings, Average Variance Extracted, Composite Reliability) and discriminant validity (inter-factor correlations, Fornell-Larcker criterion). Results Both instrument versions demonstrated excellent fit to the hypothesized five-factor structure. The original 60-item model exhibited robust indices (RMSEA = 0.029, 90% CI 0.026, 0.032; CFI = 0.964; TLI = 0.962; SRMR = 0.036), while the 30-item abbreviated version yielded comparable or marginally superior parameters (RMSEA = 0.036, 90% CI 0.031, 0.042; CFI = 0.971; TLI = 0.968; SRMR = 0.036). Reliability coefficients substantially exceeded conventional thresholds for both versions (CR = 0.923–0.950 and CR = 0.895–0.911, respectively). Test–retest stability ranged from good to excellent across all dimensions (ICC = 0.777–0.872 and ICC = 0.762–0.942, respectively). Convergent validity was established through strong factor loadings and acceptable AVE values, with the abbreviated version demonstrating enhanced convergent properties. Discriminant validity was confirmed through inter-factor correlations below critical thresholds and satisfaction of the Fornell-Larcker criterion. Conclusion The BFI-2-C and BFI-2-S-C are valid and reliable instruments for assessing personality traits in Chinese adolescent football players. The short form provides a time-efficient alternative without compromising psychometric quality, making both tools suitable for use in sport psychology research and applied youth athlete development.
Shuai et al. (Wed,) studied this question.