The perceived stress scale: Reliability and validity study in the Czech Republic

Authors

  • Nikol Figalová Palacky University Olomouc, Department of Psychology
  • Miroslav Charvát Palacky University Olomouc, Department of Psychology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51561/cspsych.65.1.46

Keywords:

Perceived Stress Scale, translation, reliability, validity, scale

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to create a Czech translation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), to assess its psychometric properties on a representative sample of the Czech general adult population, and to compare the original 14-item version (PSS-14) with the shortened 10-item (PSS-10) and four-item (PSS-4) versions.

Sample and setting. Two pilot studies were conducted to create the final Czech translation of the scale (n = 365 and n = 420). The final version of the Czech PSS was administered to a sample of the Czech general adult population (n = 1725 of whom 981 were women, M = 44.32, SD = 12.8). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) or the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered alongside the PSS to a part of the sample. A retest measurement after 14 days was conducted (n = 159).

Statistical analysis. Using the confirmatory factor analysis, the one-factor, two-factor and bifactor models were compared. The internal consistency, stability in time, and convergent validity of the scale, as well as the known-group differences, were assessed. The three versions of the PSS were compared.

Results. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the bifactor model of the PSS-14 and PSS-10, and the two-factor model of the PSS-4. All versions of the scale showed good internal consistency and stability in time. There was a moderate to strong positive correlation between the PSS and the BDI-II and STAI. Differences based on age, sex, education level, and situational factors were found. Overall, the PSS-10 showed the best psychometric properties of all three versions of the scale.

Study limitation. The sample consisted mostly of highly educated respondents.

The data and analytic script used in this study as well as the Czech version of the study are openly available in Mendeley Data.

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Published

2021-02-28

How to Cite

Figalová, N., & Charvát, M. (2021). The perceived stress scale: Reliability and validity study in the Czech Republic. Československá Psychologie, 65(1), 46-59. https://doi.org/10.51561/cspsych.65.1.46

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