Dimensionality and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire short form (CPCQ-12): Is PsyCap a single-factor, four-factor, higher-order, or bifactor construct?

Psychological capital (PsyCap) is a personal resource that enables employees to persevere in pursuing goals, display confidence, recover from setbacks, and maintain positive outlooks. The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) is the standard measure for assessing PsyCap, and its short form (PCQ-12) has gained popularity. However, limited evidence exists regarding the validity and reliability of the PCQ-12, resulting in inconsistencies among studies concerning its factor structure. This is particularly notable for the Chinese version, where extensive research has been conducted without thorough investigation into its psychometric properties. This study investigated the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (CPCQ-12) using a diverse working sample (n = 991) from various occupations and industries in Hong Kong, China. The results revealed that the bifactor CFA model, comprising a general PsyCap factor and four specific factors (i.e., hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism), demonstrated superior fit compared to the single-factor, four-factor, and higher-order models. Strong measurement invariance was observed across occupations. Evidence supporting reliability and criterion-related validity was also obtained. However, item 8 did not load significantly on its resilience factor, suggesting that this item should be excluded if the resilience subscale is used. These findings suggest that the CPCQ-12 is a valid and reliable measure of PsyCap for Chinese working populations, while also highlighting the need for conceptual, item-level, and statistical refinements. Copyright © 2025 The Author(s).