Investigating the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Social Network Users Virtual Identity Questionnaire

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran

2 Andisheh Javan Psychology Research Group, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Msc. Student Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr Branch, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22108/cbs.2026.146660.2073

Abstract

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Social Network Users Virtual Identity Questionnaire. Utilizing a descriptive methodology and survey approach, the research targeted students aged 18 to 35 in Isfahan. A total of 399 participants (71 men and 328 women) were selected via convenience sampling to complete the Social Network Users Virtual Identity Questionnaire (VISMU), Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CQ), Mental Vitality Questionnaire (SVQ), and Addiction to Mobile-Based Social Networks Questionnaire (AMQSN). To assess validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted alongside Pearson correlation methods, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27 and AMOS 24. The exploratory factor analysis yielded a KMO value of 0.877 and a Bartlett's test statistic of 16893.33 (p < 0.001), validating 36 items categorized into three components: engaging in desirable behaviors in cyberspace, cyberspace addiction, and cyberspace self-presentation. Confirmatory factor analysis further supported these findings, showing 33 items confirmed,an RMSEA of 0.078 and a CMIN/DF of 2.89. Additionally, a positive correlation with cyberbullying (0.353) and cyberspace addiction (0.577) indicated convergent validity, while a negative correlation with the Vitality of Mind Questionnaire (-0.277) confirmed divergent validity. The overall Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.89, with component values of 0.83 (engaging in desirable behaviors), 0.79 (cyberspace addiction), and 0.79 (self-presentation). The questionnaire is therefore a valuable tool for assessing virtual network users.

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Main Subjects

Research in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 April 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 04 April 2026

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