Psychometric Properties of the Short-Form Problematic ShortVideo Use Scale Among Chinese Adolescents

Introduction: Problematic Short Video Use (PSVU) is associated with significant risks to adolescent mental health. However, validated assessment tools for Chinese adolescents are currently limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese adaptation of the Short-Form Problematic Short Video Use Scale (SFPSVUS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 2,959 Chinese adolescents completed the SFPSVUS, Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Scale reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy were assessed using Cronbach’s α, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA), Spearman’s correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The SFPSVUS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.884) and a unidimensional structure, with a single factor in EFA explaining 63.9% of the variance and CFA indicating good model fit (χ²/df = 3.871, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.031, SRMR = 0.017). Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with MPAI (r = 0.768) and moderate correlations with PHQ-9 (r = 0.497). ROC analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.874, 95% CI: 0.862–0.887). Discussion: The SFPSVUS exhibits robust psychometric properties, supporting its utility as a brief screening tool for PSVU in Chinese adolescents. Its strong association with mobile phone addiction suggests PSVU may function as a behavioral subtype of broader digital dependency, while links to depressive symptoms highlight clinical relevance. Conclusion: The Chinese SFPSVUS is a reliable, valid, and clinically useful instrument for screening PSVU among adolescents.