Factor structure and convergent validity of the Thai version of the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire

This study aimed to assess the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire among Thai university students.

The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire items were derived from prior research on stressors in Thai and Asian university students. Content validity was evaluated by a panel of two psychologists and two psychiatrists through a single discussion. The validated questionnaire assessed the frequency of difficulties over 3 months in the following nine items: health: underlying disease, health: substance addiction, intrafamilial relationship, extrafamilial relationship, academic, achievement, financial, social support, and self-coping. Responses were measured using a five-point Likert scale from 0 (never) to 5 (always); higher scores indicated greater extent of perceived stressors. Internal consistency was analysed using Cronbach's alpha and inter-item correlation. Convergence was evaluated using the Thai adaptation of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Exploratory factor analysis was performed.

In total, 359 Thai university students were included in the analysis. The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire had a two-factor structure; factor 1 had loadings from six items (health: substance addiction, intrafamilial relationship, extrafamilial relationship, financial, academic, and achievement) and factor 2 had loadings from two items (social support and self-coping). Correlation between these two factors was weak (r = 0.17), hence the limited internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.60). Convergence analysis showed significant associations between the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; factor 1 was more strongly associated with anxious and negative affects, whereas factor 2 was more strongly associated with positive affects. Posthoc analysis showed that freshmen reported significantly lower levels of perceived psychosocial stressors compared with seniors.

The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire can be used to assess psychosocial stressors among Thai university students, with potential applications in clinical, administrative, and research settings.