DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL VALIDATION OF THE STRESS SYMPTOMS SCALE

Authors

  • Aija Dudkina Latvian Prison Administration
  • Viktorija Perepjolkina Latvian Prison Administration

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2021vol7.6426

Keywords:

criterion validity, psychometric properties, reliability, scale development, stress symptoms

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop and to perform an initial validation of the Latvian and Russian version of the Stress Symptoms Scale. A preliminary version of the scale (k = 65) were administrated to the test development sample as an on-line survey. Additionally participants (N = 272, aged from 19 to 68, M = 37.2, SD = 11.6, 13% male) filled in the Latvian or Russian version of the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and responded using 10-point scale on two criterion questions about the frequency and intensity of the experienced stress during the last two weeks. Information of their age, gender and education level were collected as well. Based on performed psychometric analysis a final version of the SSS was developed. It consists of 56 items, which can be combined into four scales: 1) Impaired functioning of cognitive processes; 2) Psychological symptoms of stress; 3) Physical symptoms of stress; 4) Emotional symptoms of stress. Based on Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis a four-factor solution is preferable. Both versions (LV and RUS) of the scale show excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranged from .92 to .98). Concurrent validity of the SSS was approved by high correlation with criterion-measures. Both versions of the SSS show acceptable to excellent psychometric properties and can be used by psychologists and other mental health professional for the better understanding of individual’s stress reactions and for a reliable evaluation of stress level based on the set of stress symptoms.

 

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Author Biography

  • Aija Dudkina, Latvian Prison Administration
    Dr.psych. Associated Professor Aija DudkinaRiga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy (RTTEMA)Chair of the department of Psychology and Natural SciencesLeading researcher in the field of personality psychology at Scientific Research Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology.Published monograph:  Skuškovnika D., Tiltiņa-Kapele I.,Dudkina A. (2014). Trauksme un agresija. Korekcijas iespējas. Zinātne. Redaktore Ingrīda Segliņa. ISBN 978-9984-879-69-7. 303 lpp. Fields of research:Forgiveness and Components of I- concept Interconnection Regarding. Adolescents Social Correction Groups. (2012).The Relationship Between Online Communication Aspects and Personality Traits (2013).20 - 30-year-old employee the relationship between the forgiveness motives and the perceived stress indicators (2014).Forgiveness as a New Field of Psychological Research and Practice at RTTEMA (2014).

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Published

2021-05-28

How to Cite

Dudkina, A., & Perepjolkina, V. (2021). DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL VALIDATION OF THE STRESS SYMPTOMS SCALE. SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 7, 67-85. https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2021vol7.6426