Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Revised Spontaneity Assessment Inventory (SAI-R-C)

The study aims to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Revised Spontaneity Assessment Inventory (SAI-R-C) and the correlation between spontaneity and mental health. Data were collected from various samples of Chinese college students and employees. The SAI-R-C, the Subjective Well-being Scale, and the Chinese version of the Outcome Rating Scale were simultaneously administered at a four-week interval to test the reliability and validity of the SAI-R-C. The results indicated that the SAI-R-C was unidimensional and its internal consistency coefficient was .96. The test-retest reliability of the SAI-R-C was .74 within a two-week interval. Significantly positive correlations were found between spontaneity and life satisfaction, positive emotions, overall well-being, and the Outcome Rating Scale, whereas a negative correlation was found between spontaneity and negative emotions. Overall, the SAI-R-C is a reliable and valid measure for assessing spontaneity in China. •The Chinese version of the SAI-R is an acceptable tool for assessing spontaneity.•Spontaneity is positively correlated with happiness.•Spontaneity is negatively correlated with psychological suffering.•No significant gender difference in Spontaneity was found in this study.•The participants’ age positively predicts their spontaneity.