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Development and initial validation of the COVID Stress Scales
Steven Taylor1, Caeleigh A Landry2, Michelle M Paluszek2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|May 15, 2020
Summary
The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) measure pandemic-related distress, including fears, xenophobia, and trauma symptoms. These validated scales help identify individuals needing mental health support during pandemics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pandemics trigger widespread stress and anxiety responses.
- Observed responses include fear of infection, contamination, economic impact, xenophobia, and trauma symptoms.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the multifaceted psychological distress during pandemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the 36-item COVID Stress Scales (CSS).
- To measure specific COVID-19-related stress and anxiety features.
- To create a tool adaptable for future pandemic mental health assessments.
Main Methods:
- Development of the 36-item COVID Stress Scales (CSS).
- Validation in large, population-representative samples from Canada and the United States (N=6854).
- Factor analysis to identify underlying dimensions of pandemic-related distress.
Main Results:
- A stable 5-factor structure emerged: Danger/contamination fears, economic fears, xenophobia, compulsive checking, and traumatic stress symptoms.
- The CSS demonstrated good reliability and validity.
- Intercorrelations supported the concept of a COVID Stress Syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The CSS effectively assess COVID-19-related distress and anxiety.
- The scales can identify individuals requiring mental health services.
- The CSS are designed for adaptability to future pandemics.
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