Development and Validation of the TikTok Use Scale (TTUS): A Platform-Specific Measure of Adaptive and Maladaptive Engagement

Authors

  • Francesca Favieri Department of Psychology, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
  • Giuseppe Forte Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
  • Alice Menditto Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
  • Maria Casagrande Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
  • Renata Tambelli Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13129/2282-1619/mjcp-5340

Keywords:

Measurement validation, Problematic use, Scale development, Social media behavior, Tik Tok use

Abstract

Background. The rapid growth of TikTok has emphasized the need for assessment tools specifically designed to capture the psychological and behavioral characteristics of platform use. Most existing measures adapt scales developed for other social media, limiting their ability to reflect TikTok’s unique affordances and usage patterns.

Objective. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the TikTok Use Scale (TTUS), a self-report instrument designed to assess multiple dimensions of TikTok engagement along an adaptive–maladaptive continuum.

Methods. An initial pool of 68 items was generated based on the literature and expert review. Following item reduction procedures, 25 items were administered to a sample of 210 Italian adult TikTok users. Participants also completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale to assess convergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using maximum likelihood extraction was conducted, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency, concurrent validity, and score distributions were examined.

Results. EFA supported a four-factor structure including Involvement, Intrusiveness, Temporality, and Dissociation, with strong sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.89) and a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity. CFA indicated acceptable fit indices for the proposed model. Internal consistency was satisfactory across subscales (α = .84–.89) and excellent for the total scale (α = .93). Evidence of concurrent validity emerged through moderate-to-strong correlations with social media addiction symptoms and with both self-reported and objectively recorded time spent on TikTok. Score distributions suggested that a small proportion of users may exhibit potentially problematic patterns of use.

Conclusions. The TTUS demonstrates promising psychometric properties and represents a concise, multidimensional instrument for assessing TikTok use. It may be a valuable tool for research investigating behavioral processes and adaptive versus maladaptive engagement with TikTok.

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Published

30-04-2026

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)

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