Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the online sexual objectification experiences scale among college women: a cross-cultural validation using CTT and IRT

With the rise of online social activities, sexually objectifying content has become increasingly prevalent, contributing to women’s self-objectification. However, the Online Sexual Objectification Experiences Scale (OSOES) had not yet been validated in a Chinese or non-Western cultural context. This study evaluated the applicability of the OSOES within a Chinese cultural context using Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). Participants were 644 Chinese female college students. CTT analyses assessed construct validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency. IRT examined item parameters, item and test information, and reliability. Results showed that (1) the three-factor structure of the Chinese version of OSOES (C-OSOES) was supported, with sound internal consistency and criterion-related validity; (2) all 18 items demonstrated appropriate discrimination and location parameters and high precision across most latent trait levels, though category characteristic curves revealed some issues. These findings offer insights for refining the C-OSOES and, more importantly, provide initial psychometric evidence for the applicability of the OSOES three-factor structure among Chinese female college students.