Validation of pandemic-specific version of the Perceived Stress Scale

Abstract

Introduction: A growing amount of evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic influences mental health, including an increased level of perceived stress. Objective: To develop and psychometrically investigate a pandemic-specific version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-PAN) that measures stress related to the pandemic. Method: Factor structure as well as convergent and divergent validity of the 10-item PSS-PAN were examined on the data set of an online survey (n = 1164; mean age: 38.57 years; standard deviation: 6.27 years; 84.2% women). Results: A one-factor structure for the PSS-PAN was confirmed. The scale correlated significantly with scores on the Shortened Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.41; n = 1164; p<0.001), the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (r = 0.46; n = 1164; p<0.001), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (r = –0.29; n = 1164; p<0.001). Women’s PSS-PAN scores were significantly higher than men’s (t(1162) = –7.135; p<0.001) but this difference was trivial (Cohen’s d = 0.06). Further, scale scores did not differ significantly across educational attainment (F(6;1157) = 2.035; p = 0.06; η2 = 0.01). Lower middle class participants’ mean scores were significantly higher than those of middle-class respondents according to the post hoc test (F(4;1159) = 3.461; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.01). PSS-PAN scores did not correlate significantly with age (r = –0.04; n = 1164; p = 0.13). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89 indicating excellent internal consistency. Discussion: The PSS-PAN has a single-component structure. Moderately strong and weak correlations with other scales support its convergent and divergent validity and indicate that it is a distinct indicator of pandemic-related perceived stress. Its total score was not or not strongly associated with gender, age, education level, or socioeconomic status. Conclusion: The PSS-PAN is a proper instrument to measure pandemic-specific perceived stress.