| Summary: | The 4Cs of positive youth development have been proposed as an appropriate framework for assessing athlete outcomes across various sport domains. However, the psychometric multidimensionality of the full 4C model has not been rigorously investigated. This study examined the psychometric multidimensionality of the 4C model, comprising 10 subfactors, among youth team sport athletes (N = 510). We systematically compared confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM), along with their bifactor and hierarchical extensions, and discussed the empirical and practical appropriateness of these models. We further examined construct validity by testing measurement invariance over gender and sport type (contact, non-contact), and criterion-related validity on different aspects of peer motivational climate. ESEM was the optimal model, exhibiting construct and practical utility. Measurement invariance was broadly observed with four variant items; implications are discussed. Peer mastery climate was associated with positive outcome factors (e.g., competence, connection), while peer ego climate was associated with less desirable sport character (i.e., antisocial behaviours).
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