How do avatars shape the identity of adolescents? The development and validation of the Proteus Effect scale for adolescents

Background Avatar-based multiplayer online games and video games are becoming increasingly popular as entertainment tools worldwide. The interaction between players and their avatars is of growing interest to researchers exploring the psychological dynamics of gaming experiences. Objective This study aimed to develop and validate the "Proteus Effect Scale for Adolescents" to examine how digital games influence adolescents' identities. Methods Using criterion sampling, four distinct groups of adolescents were selected based on their engagement with digital gaming. The development of the scale began with a 15-item pilot test, which was refined through expert feedback and subsequent pilot testing, resulting in a final 10-item scale. The validity of the scale was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Criterion-related validity was established by examining correlations with game addiction and neuroticism. Reliability was measured through internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results EFA indicated a single factor explaining 50.029% of the variance, with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of .897 and a significant Bartlett’s Sphericity test (χ²= 2908.75, p=.000). CFA confirmed the unidimensional structure of the scale with strong fit indices: Chi-Square/df = 2.891, RMR = .035, GFI = .94, AGFI = .91, CFI = .93, NFI = .90, IFI = .93, and RMSEA = .074. The scale showed significant correlations with game addiction (r = .526, p < .01) and neuroticism (r = .137, p < .01). Reliability analysis demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .87) and test-retest reliability (r = .75, p < .05). Conclusions The Proteus Effect Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing avatar-player identification among adolescents. It shows strong psychometric properties and can be used to explore the influence of digital games on adolescent identity development.