Shengxuan Li

Introduction Digital romantic media may shape young adults' beliefs about intimacy, yet existing measures rarely assess relationship beliefs that jointly address autonomy, non-coercion, equality, and mutual growth. This study developed and validated the Sustainable Intimate Relationship Beliefs Scale (SIRBS) among Chinese college students. Methods An online survey yielded a final analytic sample of 2,008 participants, which was randomly divided for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability, factor-level convergent and discriminant evidence, measurement invariance, criterion-related associations, mediation, and moderation were also examined. Results The final 12-item scale comprised three correlated but conceptually distinct dimensions: Non-materialistic Relationship Beliefs, Low Control Tolerance, and Egalitarian Growth Beliefs. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the correlated three-factor model (CFI = 0.995, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.036, SRMR = 0.026). Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha = 0.845; McDonald's omega total = 0.91), and composite reliability ranged from 0.878 to 0.967. Omega hierarchical (0.59) and explained common variance (0.39) indicated limited saturation by a single general factor. Approximate measurement invariance was supported across male-female gender groups and romantic relationship experience groups. SIRBS scores were positively associated with media literacy and negatively associated with unsustainable romantic-script internalization. Discussion The findings support the three subscale scores as the primary basis for construct-specific interpretation. The total score may be used as a secondary broad composite but should not be interpreted as a strictly unidimensional trait.