New, normative, English-sample data for the Short Form Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4).

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychometrics
• Health Sciences

Background:

• The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a widely used measure of stress.
• Establishing population-specific norms is crucial for accurate interpretation of psychological measures.
• Previous research has not provided updated population norms for the PSS-4.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide population norms for the Short Form Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) in an English sample.
• To examine the relationship between PSS-4 scores and sociodemographic variables.
• To compare current PSS-4 scores with previously reported data.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 1568 individuals from England completed the PSS-4.
• Psychometric properties of the PSS-4 were assessed.
• Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the influence of sociodemographic variables on PSS-4 scores.

Main Results:

• The PSS-4 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in the English sample.
• Sociodemographic variables accounted for 19.5% of the variance in PSS-4 scores.
• Higher perceived health, greater social support, being male, and older age were associated with lower PSS-4 scores.

Conclusions:

• Population norms for the PSS-4 are presented for the English sample.
• Sociodemographic factors significantly moderate perceived stress levels as measured by the PSS-4.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering demographic context when interpreting PSS-4 scores.