Supplementary file 2_An exploration of the structure and understanding of Xin (“信”) in Chinese culture: the development of a theoretical model and questionnaire instruments.docx

IntroductionThis study investigates the multifaceted construct of Xin (“信”) within Chinese culture, reconceptualizing it as a core personality quality that extends beyond mere honesty or trustworthiness.
MethodsEmploying a mixed-methods approach, we integrated grounded theory and quantitative scale development to articulate the structure of Xin and its psychological significance. Three sequential studies were conducted: (1) Through in-depth interviews with 22 Chinese participants, a five-dimensional model of Xin was constructed, comprising relational domains between humans and heaven and earth, humans and social culture, the self, individual archetypes, and connective integration. (2) A corresponding questionnaire was developed and validated via exploratory factor analysis (Sample 1, N = 231) and confirmatory factor analysis (Sample 2, N = 814), confirming the five-factor structure. (3) The questionnaire was administered to a broader sample (Sample 3, N = 807) to assess recognition and identification levels across these dimensions..
ResultsStudy 1 established a five-dimensional model of Xin. Study 2 confirmed this structure via EFA and CFA, with good psychometric properties (α = .951–.954; CFI = .913, RMSEA = .051). Study 3 showed that Xin is perceived most strongly in relational connectivity and least in archetypal manifestations, with significant variations by gender, education, and ethnicity.
DiscussionThese findings illuminate Xin as a complex personality construct integral to Chinese cultural identity and personal development, offering insights for its cultivation in psychological practice and everyday life.

引言 本研究探讨了中国文化中具有多维度内涵的信（Xin）构念，将其重新界定为一种超越单纯诚实或可信性的核心人格品质。
方法 本研究采用混合研究方法，整合扎根理论与量化量表编制流程，阐明信的结构及其心理学意义。本研究共开展三项递进式研究：(1) 对22名中国被试进行深度访谈，构建信的五维模型，该模型涵盖人与天地、人与社会文化、自我、个体原型以及联结整合五大关系维度。(2) 编制对应问卷，并通过探索性因素分析（exploratory factor analysis, EFA）（样本1，N=231）与验证性因素分析（confirmatory factor analysis, CFA）（样本2，N=814）对问卷进行效度检验，证实了五因素结构。(3) 向更大规模样本（样本3，N=807）施测该问卷，以评估各维度的认可度与认同度。
结果 研究1确立了信的五维模型。研究2通过EFA与CFA验证了该结构，问卷具备良好的心理测量学指标（克朗巴赫α系数=0.951~0.954；比较拟合指数CFI=0.913，近似误差均方根RMSEA=0.051）。研究3显示，信在关系联结维度上的感知强度最高，在原型表现层面最低，且在性别、受教育程度与族裔上存在显著差异。
讨论 本研究结果阐明，信是一种复杂的人格构念，对于中国文化身份认同与个人发展均不可或缺，同时为心理实践与日常生活中的信的培育提供了理论启示。