Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the Problematic Media Use Measure

Research Findings: The Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM) assesses young children’s excessive or problematic media use. The current study aims to translate the original English version of PMUM into a Chinese version and validate it with Chinese preschoolers (ages 3 to 6). The instrument was translated, back-translated, pretested, and reviewed by a panel. The Chinese version of PMUM was administered to mothers of preschoolers (N = 1896). The results indicated that the construct validity of the PMUM was supported by the best-fit two-factor model: psychosocial problems and tolerance & withdrawal. Concurrent validity was established by demonstrating that (1) the PMUM subscales scores were positively related to children’s screen time and (2) the PMUM subscales scores were negatively related to parental mediation. The predictive validity of the PMUM subscales was also established: (1) the PMUM subscales scores were negatively correlated with prosocial behaviors, and (2) the PMUM subscales scores were positively correlated with emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, conduct problems, and peer relationship problems. Internal reliability and test-retest reliability were both satisfactory. Practice or Policy: The findings support the further development and application of the PMUM to monitor children’s media use and also emphasize the need for additional research on problematic media use. Copyright © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.