Reliability, validity and preliminary hypothesis tests for the English version of the Psychological Strain Scales (PSS)

Abstract

Background The original Psychological Strain Scales (PSS) was published with data from a sample of a Chinese population, which consisted of four strain scales: value strain, aspiration strain, deprivation strain, coping strain. This study aims to validate and develop the English version of the PSS instrument. Method Together with the PSS, Moos’s Coping Response Inventory (CRI), Spielberger Trait-Anxiety scale, CES-D depression scale, and the NCS suicidal behavior scales were administered in a survey to a sample (N=280) of American college students. Item-total statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha, Guttman Split-Half coefficient, factor analyses, correlation analysis and t tests were applied to test the reliability and validity of the English version of the PSS. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were operated to know how extent the PSS predicts psychopathology such as anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors. Results Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of PSS was 0.936. The Split-Half Coefficient of PSS was 0.839. The reliability of the PSS was excellent. The factor analysis results demonstrated strong construct validity of each scale. The criterion validity and the discriminant validity were both excellent for the English version of PSS instrument. Conclusions With the excellent scores on both reliability and validity, the English version of the PSS scales can be an excellent measurement for estimating the psychological strain levels of American college students as well as predicting their psychopathology. The PSS can be applicable for research to evaluate and predict suicidal behaviors and mental disorders.

Psychological Strain and Suicidal Ideation among Chinese Young People

“…It emerged as an additional theoretical conceptualization to explain the unique patterns of Chinese rural young suicide (Zhang, 2005). Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of PSS is 0.936 and the Split-Half Coefficient of PSS is 0.839, which shows the excellent reliability of the total PSS, and the factor analysis results demonstrated strong construct validity of each scale (Zhang and Lyu, 2014).…”

The strain theory of suicide

“…The Psychological Strain Scales (PSS) have been developed for each of the four types of strains. Interested readers can refer to the published works by the current research team for the details in the development of the PSS instruments as well as the questionnaires in both English and Chinese (Zhang, Lu et al, 2014; Zhang & Lyu, 2014).…”

The Mediating Effect of Psychache on the Relationship Between Psychological Strains and Suicidal Behaviors Among Chinese Hui and Han Medical Students

“…The conceptualization of the strain theory of suicide is derived from and built on the previous work of Durkheim (1951), Merton (1957), Agnew (2006), and (J. Zhang & Lyu, 2014) and has been tested in the Chinese population (J. Zhang et al, 2013b).…”

“…A strain consists of at least two forces, or two stresses, that push a person in different directions (J. Zhang & Lyu, 2014). Four types of strain can predict suicide: (a) differential values occur when two conflicting social values compete in an individual's life and are equally important, (b) aspiration versus reality means that an individual has impossible aspirations, (c) relative deprivation occurs when a person compares himself or herself negatively with others, and (d) deficient coping refers to the lack of ability to face crises in life (J.…”