This study aimed to clarify the multi-dimensionality of defending, by developing and validating the Adolescent Defending Behaviors Questionnaire (ADBQ) in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Results of Study 1 (N = 824, M_age = 11.25) indicated that a five-factor model, comprising 1) assertive defending, 2) aggressive defending, 3) comforting victims, 4) reporting to authority, and 5) tactical defending, yielded a good fit to the data. Study 2 (N = 1,086, M_age = 11.18) established ADBQ’s reliability (α=.78-.93) and construct validity: the five defending dimensions were differentially associated with cognitive and affective empathy, aggression, sociability, peer preference, and victimization. Together, the results suggest that the ADBQ is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument for assessing the multi-dimensionality of defending.This study aimed to clarify the multi-dimensionality of defending, by developing and validating the Adolescent Defending Behaviors Questionnaire (ADBQ) in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Results of Study 1 (N = 824, M_age = 11.25) indicated that a five-factor model, comprising 1) assertive defending, 2) aggressive defending, 3) comforting victims, 4) reporting to authority, and 5) tactical defending, yielded a good fit to the data. Study 2 (N = 1,086, M_age = 11.18) established ADBQ’s reliability (α=.78-.93) and construct validity: the five defending dimensions were differentially associated with cognitive and affective empathy, aggression, sociability, peer preference, and victimization. Together, the results suggest that the ADBQ is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument for assessing the multi-dimensionality of defending.