Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Transition Expectation Scale in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

ABSTRACT Background Cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis. Transition expectation is a key modifiable factor that shapes adolescents' movement from adolescence to adult care and is a prerequisite for successful transition and better survival outcomes. Aims This study aimed to translate the Transition Expectation Scale (TES) into Chinese (TES‐CN) and address its psychometric properties in pediatric cancer survivors (PCSs). Methods We used a two‐phase design. First, the TES was translated and culturally adapted into Chinese in accordance with guidelines. Second, a cross‐sectional psychometric evaluation was conducted in a convenience sample of Chinese PCSs. Reliability and validity were examined. Results Two hundred and seventeen PCSs were recruited for psychometric evaluation. The Content validity of the TES‐CN was satisfactory, with a scale‐level content validity index of 0.91 and an item‐level content validity index ranging from 0.78 to 1.00. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported an 11‐item, three‐factor structure explaining 64.3% of the variance. Compared to the original single‐factor structure, the three‐factor model demonstrated a better fit (Δχ 2 = 116.58, Δdf = 13, p < 0.001). The convergent and discriminant validity results also jointly indicated that the three constructs were empirically distinct, and the model exhibited satisfactory construct validity. The TES‐CN had good reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 and test–retest coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.94, indicating acceptable to excellent temporal stability. Conclusions The TES‐CN is a reliable and valid tool for assessing transition expectations among Chinese PCSs and can be used in Chinese research and clinical settings.