Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Arabic version of PSS stress measuring scale in the Moroccan population

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the classic Arabic version of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) in a large sample of Moroccan population. A cross-sectional survey was yielded between December 2013 and January 2014 following an accidental sampling. Individuals aged above 18, from different socioeconomic categories, were invited to take part in the study. The participants had completed a questionnaire including the classic Arabic versions of PSS10. Two data collection methods involving the paper questionnaire (PQ) and an electronic questionnaire (EQ) were solicited. The psychometric properties of PSS10 were examined by internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and factorial structure. A total of 1,099 individuals have participated in the study. Internal consistencies of the classic Arabic PSS10 for both of PQ and EQ were respectively α = 0.72 and α = 0.85; the test–retest reliability score was 0.91. In both of PQ and EQ, PSS10 scores were higher among females (p < .01), and were positively and significantly correlated with the DASS21 subscales. The principal component analysis provided a two-factor structure. The percentages of variance explained by the two factors were 55.58 for EQ and 54.61 for PQ. The classic Arabic version of the PSS10 showed satisfactory psychometric properties in both data collection methods.