AI Insight
This study validated the Chinese version of the Adaptive Functions of Music Listening Scale (AFML) with 2,829 university students from China. The research confirmed the original 11-factor structure of the scale works effectively across gender and musical training backgrounds, showing good internal consistency. Regression analyses revealed that most adaptive music listening functions correlated with improved well-being, while rumination showed consistent negative patterns, and identity showed mixed effects on emotional states.
Why it matters
This validation provides researchers and practitioners in China with a reliable tool to assess how people use music listening for psychological functions. The findings can inform mental health interventions and educational programs that leverage music's adaptive benefits while identifying potentially maladaptive listening patterns like rumination.
Understand the Science
BackgroundA multidimensional measure of music-listening functions is needed in the Chinese context. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Adaptive Functions of Music Listening Scale (AFML) among Chinese university students.MethodsA total of 2,829 university students were recruited from Weifang Institute of Technology in Shandong, China. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), measurement invariance testing, reliability analysis, and criterion validity analysis were conducted.ResultsCFAs supported the original 11-factor structure of the AFML. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses indicated that this structure was invariant across gender and musical training experience. The subscales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency. Regression analyses further showed that several adaptive AFML dimensions were associated with better well-being, whereas rumination showed a consistent maladaptive pattern across affective and social indicators. In addition, identity was associated with higher positive affect and life satisfaction, but also with higher negative affect.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the AFML demonstrated good reliability and validity, supporting its use for assessing the adaptive functions of music listening among Chinese university students.