Psychometric Analysis of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 with School Principals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric characteristics of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) using school principals. Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein (1983) created the Perceived Stress Scale to identify the degree to which individuals perceive their life stressful relative to one’s ability to cope. The instrument was reported to be a global, unidimensional instrument. However, other researchers (Roberti, Harrington, & Storch, 1986; Taylor, 2014) identified that the PSS-10 consisted of a two-factor model (Perceived Helplessness Subscale and Perceived Self-Efficacy Subscale). The PSS-10 consists of 10 questions scored using a 5-point rating scale with a range from 0 (never) to 4 (very often) (Cohen & Janiki-Deverts, 2012) with scores on four items reverse-scored. Based on a unidimensional model, one’s perceived stress score is calculated by adding together the responses from each question. The higher a respondent scores on the survey, the greater the perceived psychological stress of that participant. The results indicate the PSS-10 scores are valid, but the multidimensionality of the scale should be considered