Psychometric Properties of Belief into Action Scale among University Students in China

Abstract

Objectives: We examine the reliability and validity of the Belief into Action (BIAC) scale among university students in provinces across Mainland China.

Method: The BIAC scale and Religious Commitment Inventory-10 were translated into Chinese, and administered with several other psychosocial measures to 1,830 college students from three universities in China. To assess test-retest reliability, the BIAC scale was re-administered after two weeks to 133 college students.

Results: Three factors were extracted using principal components analysis with Promax rotation, which explained 66.3% of the variance in the BIAC. Confirmative factor analysis verified the three factor model (χ² = 232.03; df =31; p <0.001, CFI=0.95). Cronbach’s alpha for the BIAC scale was 0.83, and test-retest ICCs ranged from 0.41 to 0.90. The BIAC scale total score and the RCI-10 subscales were significantly correlated (r=0.60-0.67, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The BIAC scale is a reliable and valid measure of religiosity in Chinese college students.