Fear of failure undermines individuals’ motivation and well-being globally. However, measuring fear of failure remains challenging due to the lack of brief questionnaires, and existing measures have primarily been developed and used in Western contexts. Hence, engaging in cross-cultural validation of fear of failure measures is needed. This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (PFAI-SF). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), concurrent validity, and convergent validity were investigated with 1670 Chinese students. Results of the EFA and CFA indicated satisfactory psychometric properties, suggesting a unifactorial model. The concurrent and convergent validity of the Chinese version of PFAI-SF was supported by positive correlations with the long-form Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory and its related psychological constructs. These findings provide substantial evidence for the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the PFAI-SF, supporting its use as a succinct and culturally appropriate tool for assessing fear of failure among Chinese students.
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