To translate and validate the Chinese Version of the Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM), which consists of purpose, significance, and coherence, its reliability, validity, and measurement invariance are examined. Sample 1, which consisted of 544 undergraduate students, was used for exploratory factor analysis. Sample 2, which consisted of 559 adults, was used for confirmatory factor analysis and test of measurement invariance. The Meaning in Life Questionnaire was used as criterion validity; the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used as convergent–discriminant validity. One month later, a follow-up survey was conducted to assess test-retest reliability. The results showed that the three-dimensional structure was supported. The Cronbach’s α of the total scale and the three subscales ranged between 0.82 and 0.95, and their test-retest reliability ranged between 0.71 and 0.83. The total scale and the three subscales were positively associated with presence of meaning, search for meaning, positive affect, and life satisfaction, while negatively associated with negative affect. In addition, results showed acceptable measurement invariance across gender and time. 3DM scale displayed satisfactory reliability and validity, and could be used to assess different components of meaning in life.

引入三维度生命意义感量表(Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale, 3DM), 包含目标、重要性和一致性3个维度, 检验其中文翻译版的信效度和测量等值性。样本1(544 名大学生)用于探索性因素分析, 样本2(559 名成年人)用于验证性因素分析和测量等值性检验。选取生命意义感问卷作为效标效度, 正性负性情绪量表和生活满意度量表作为聚合–区分效度。间隔1个月, 对345人进行重测, 考察重测信度。结果表明, 探索性和验证性因素分析支持三维度结构, 总量表及分量表的内部一致性系数在0.82~0.95之间, 重测信度在0.71~0.83之间。3DM量表总分及分维度与拥有意义感、寻求意义感、正性情绪和生活满意度显著正相关, 与负性情绪显著负相关。3DM量表具有跨性别与跨时间的测量等值性。研究结果证明, 3DM量表具有良好的信效度, 可以在中国用于测量生命意义感的不同成分。