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Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Control Short Scale (PCSS-6): Reliability, Factor Structure, and Measurement
Judith Hirschmiller1, Tamara Schwinn1, Jörg Wiltink1
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Objective:
Perceived control has been recognized as a crucial factor in adapting to life stressors, yet validated instruments distinguishing primary and secondary control are scarce. This study aimed to validate the Perceived Control Short Scale - 6 Items (PCSS-6) by examining its psychometric properties and associations with mental health outcomes.
Methods:
The PCSS-6 was back- and forward-translated and assessed in a representative German population sample (N=2,513). Item characteristics, internal consistency, factor structure, and measurement invariance (configural, metric and scalar) across gender, age, depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined. Association with sociodemographic and mental health variables were analyzed.
Results:
In total, the item-level completeness was 99.56%, and both subscales showed good internal consistency (McDonald's ω: 0.87-0.94). The two-factor model distinguishing primary and secondary control demonstrated excellent fit and outperformed a one-factor model (p<0.001). Full measurement invariance was supported across all tested groups. Higher levels of both primary and secondary control were associated with female gender, lower levels of depression and anxiety as well as suicidal ideation (all p<0.001).
Discussion:
The findings support the theoretical distinction between primary and secondary control and demonstrate that the PCSS-6 provides reliable and comparable assessments across relevant population subgroups. The observed associations with mental health outcomes underscore the potential relevance of both control facets for mental health.
Conclusion:
The PCSS-6 is a nuanced, yet economic valid, and reliable instrument for assessing primary and secondary control. It offers a theory-consistent and efficient tool for future research examining control-related processes as protective factors in mental health.
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