Ratings of Students’ Stress: Initial Reliability and Validity Evidence for a Brief Stress and Resilience Assessment
摘要
Stress is a complex construct that is related to resilience and general health starting in childhood. Despite its importance for student health and well-being, there are few measures of stress designed for school-based applications. In this study, we developed and initially validated a Stress Indicators Scale using five samples of teachers, parents, and students (N = 3338). We also identified the five best items from the scale that could inform development of a brief version of the scale for broader applications in comprehensive universal screening. Using item response theory, reliability analyses, convergent/discriminant correlations, and item bias analyses evidence supported claims that both the full and brief version of the Stress Indicators Scale are psychometrically sound and hold promise to expand options for school-based stress and resilience assessment. Examination of generalization limitations for these findings and additional research to advance the interpretation and use of the Stress Indicators Scale as part of social emotional health screenings conclude the article.