Objective:To translate the Perceived Stress Scale (versions PSS-4, −10 and −14) and to assess its psychometric properties in a sample of general Greek population.Methods:941 individuals completed anonymously questionnaires comprising of PSS, the Depression Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21 version), and a list of stress-related symptoms. Psychometric properties of PSS were investigated by confirmatory factor analysis (construct validity), Cronbach’s alpha (reliability), and by investigating relations with the DASS-21 scores and the number of symptoms, across individuals’ characteristics. The two-factor structure of PSS-10 and PSS-14 was confirmed in our analysis. We found satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha values (0.82 for the full scale) for PSS-14 and PSS-10 and marginal satisfactory values for PSS-4 (0.69). PSS score exhibited high correlation coefficients with DASS-21 subscales scores, meaning stress (r = 0.64), depression (r = 0.61), and anxiety (r = 0.54). Women reported significantly more stress compared to men and divorced or widows compared to married or singled only. A strong significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between the stress score and the number of self-reported symptoms was also noted.Conclusions:The Greek versions of the PSS-14 and PSS-10 exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties and their use for research and health care practice is warranted.

No abstract

BackgroundThe Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI) is an instrument for measuring occupational stress in teachers. This study aimed to translate and adapt it for use in Greece, and then assess its reliability and validity.MethodsThe Greek versions of the TSI and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) were posted on all Greek educators’ official sites during May 2012. A nationwide sample of 3,447 teachers of all levels and specialties completed the questionnaires via the Internet. Reliability was determined by the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and validity was further examined by investigating the correlation of the TSI with the PSS-14 and their association with demographics and work-related factors.ResultsSatisfactory Cronbach’s alpha values (above 0.70) were found for all TSI dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor construct of TSI (root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, and goodness-of-fit index values were 0.079, 0.956, and 0.951, respectively), confirming the pre-established theory for the two latent variables, Stress Sources and Stress Manifestations. Significant correlations were found between TSI subscales, PSS-14 sex, age, lack of support, and students’ difficulties.ConclusionThe Greek version of the TSI was found to have satisfactory psychometric properties, and its use for assessing stress in Greek teachers is warranted.

No abstract

Background: Τhe majority of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients manifest cognitive impairment, stress, anxiety and depression. These factors affect the disease course and relapse as well as the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of the Pythagorean self-awareness intervention on MS patients. Methods: This was a parallel randomized controlled trial in MS patients (N = 55) who were randomized to intervention (IG) and control group (CG). The IG (N = 23) underwent, additional to standardized care, PSAI which consisted of 8 weekly sessions of dietary and physical exercise counselling, cognitive training and stress management. Self-reported questionnaires were used for stress, depression, anxiety, healthy lifestyle, ways of coping, fatigue, memory. Data were collected by pre-and post-intervention. Results: Participants were mostly women, married, of tertiary education and with a mean disease duration * Corresponding author. # These authors contributed equally and shared last authorship. C. Darviri et al. 573 of ten years. Statistical analyses revealed a significant amelioration of healthy lifestyle, stress, anxiety, depression, memory, an increase in positive approach and social support seeking, as well as, a decrease in physical, mental and cognitive fatigue. Conclusions: Participation in PSAI was strongly associated with enhancement of self-management abilities. We aspire that PSAI can be introduced in healthcare settings as a multifaceted, meta-cognitive process of stress management and self-empowerment.