Psychometric properties of the perceived stress scale short form (PSS-10) in Chinese adolescents: Validity, measurement invariance across gender and left-behind status

Abstract

The perceived stress scale is one of the most commonly used instruments to measure individual perception or perceived stress. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the short version of the perceived stress scale (PSS-10) in Chinese adolescents. A total of 977 Chinese middle school students completed a set of scales, which included PSS-10, the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), the self-esteem scale (SES), and the brief resilience scale (BRS). Results showed that the PSS-10 had a robust two-factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis. Latent mean measurement invariance (MI) across gender and left-behind status also be supported. The PSS-10 had acceptable reliability and significant moderate correlation with the GHQ-12, SES, and BRS. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the PSS-10 is a reliable and valid assessment for measuring stress in Chinese adolescents.