The Super-Short Form of Career Adapt-Abilities Scale: Cross-Cultural Validation in China and the United Kingdom

Abstract

To facilitate future research on career adaptability, this study aims to validate the super-short form of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS-SSF) through two studies across three samples. In Study 1, the full scale is shortened to a 4-item scale based on a Chinese sample (Sample 1, N = 616), considering both reliability and validity. Study 2 aims to validate the 4-item CAAS-SSF across two additional samples: Sample 2 in China ( N = 332) and Sample 3 in the United Kingdom ( N = 317). Results show that the CAAS-SSF demonstrates satisfactory reliability and good fit with the unidimensional model of career adaptability. Furthermore, the super-short scale exhibits acceptable measurement invariance across gender and culture groups. Moreover, criterion-related validity of the CAAS-SSF is supported by its positive correlations with criterions (i.e., job performance, career satisfaction, and occupational self-efficacy) that parallel results of the CAAS and CAAS-Short Form. Overall, the findings support the CAAS-SSF as a reliable and valid representation of the 24-item CAAS. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.