A Systematic Review of the Non-English Versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10 Psychometric Analysis

The Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) is a cornerstone in measuring stress. Despite the solid psychometric properties of some translated versions of the PSS-10 and their successful application in various groups, a review of several studies revealed a shortcoming in the use of non-standardized methodology.

This study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of the non-English versions of the PSS-10.

The investigators identified 20 quantitative articles from various databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, OVID, and CINAHL, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Each article had undergone acomprehensive validity and reliability evaluation using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Internal consistency was adequate in 11 studies (α ≥ 0.8), acceptable in eight (α ≥ 0.7), and questionable in one (α ≥ 0.6). All analyzed studies were observational. Most studies employed a cross-sectional design (n = 17) with a longitudinal component (test-retest n = 11). Some studies employed retrospective (n = 1) and prospective cohort (n = 2) designs. The two-factor construct validity was confirmed by exploratory (n = 11) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 7).

The focus was on the homogeneity of the items within the translated scale of different languages. However, the reported internal consistency and construct validity of the translated PSS-10 varied based on participant characteristics, language, culture, disease population, gender, and sample size.

A standardized approach to psychometric methodology would enable other researchers to develop the reliability and the validity of the translated PSS-10 across diverse populations and cultures in a defined and accurate manner.