Psychometric Properties of a Persian Version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in Military Personnel

Abstract

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a widely used measure of stress. However, the dimensions of this scale are not clearly defined, and there is little information on the use of the scale in military personnel. This study examined the psychometric properties of an Iranian version of the PSS in a military population. A sample of 406 military personnel were recruited from three military units in Tehran, Iran. Construct validity via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity were examined. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess reliability. EFA was used on the first half of the sample (n = 206); two factors were identified that explained 55.1% of the total variance. CFA was performed on the second half of the sample (n = 200), confirming a two-factor solution. CFA showed good model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.993, normed χ2 = 2.42, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.059). The two PSS subscales were strongly associated with psychological distress, indicating concurrent validity. Internal reliability was acceptable (alpha = 0.79–0.90). The Persian version of the PSS has acceptable psychometric properties, allowing it to be used as a measure of perceived stress in Iranian military personnel.