Confirmatory factor analysis and sample invariance of the Chinese version of Somatosensory Amplification Scale (ChSAS) among Chinese adolescents

Objective: This paper aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the Chinese version of Somatosensory Amplification Scale (ChSAS) in a sample of Chinese adolescents across different grade levels using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Methods: A total of 1991 Chinese adolescents completed the ChSAS. CFA assessed the fit of the one-factor model to the entire sample. Factorial invariance of the ChSAS was also examined across grade levels using multigroup CFA. Results: Results of CFA confirmed the one-factor model in the current Chinese sample across different grade levels (CFI>/=0.905). Factorial invariance was also evidenced across different grade levels. Internal consistency of the scale was good for the entire sample and different subsamples (alphas ranging from 0.75-0.78). Conclusions: The ChSAS is a valid and reliable instrument to be employed among adolescents across different grade levels. Future research on the specific role of SA in explaining presentation of somatic symptoms with regard to both neurological and psychological processes is desirable