Initial validation of the short form of two imagination measures in Hong Kong: the Self-Descriptive Imagination Questionnaire and the Fantastic Reality Ability Measurement

Imagination is a complex construct that holds clinical relevance for personality research. The Self-Descriptive Imagination Questionnaire (SIQ) is a measurement tool of general imagination traits in the field of self-concept and imagery, and the Fantastic Reality Ability Measurement (FRAME) measures the use of imagination in the context of stress, trauma, and uncertainty, a concept termed “fantastic reality ability”. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of both measures and developed a short form (SIQ-SF and FRAME-SF) in Hong Kong. An online survey recruited 413 adults between February 2023 and April 2024, who completed a self-report questionnaire containing SIQ and FRAME. Factorial validity was examined via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in split subsamples. Convergent validity was evaluated via partial correlations with creativity, cognitive flexibility, personality, and psychological functioning. The 4-factor CFA model provided an adequate fit to the 11-item SIQ-SF with substantial factor loadings and satisfactory reliability. The 4-factor structure of the original 21-item FRAME did not show satisfactory model fit in either CFA or EFA. The 4-factor EFA model provided good fits to the 13-item FRAME-SF in both split samples. The SIQ-SF and FRAME-SF factors showed moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.28–0.73) with each other and extremely high correlations (r = 0.89–0.95) with the corresponding full versions. They showed significant and positive partial correlations with creativity (r = 0.37–0.74), cognitive flexibility (r = 0.21–0.52), and positive affect (r = 0.17–0.44). Respondents with regular arts practice reported greater levels (d = 0.31–0.54, p