An examination of validity and reliability of the Parental Stress Scale in a population based sample of Norwegian parents

Abstract

The parental stress scale (PSS) is a widely used instrument that assesses stress related to child rearing. Even though several studies have investigated the construct validity and reliability of the PSS, no consensus has been reached regarding which and how many of the original eighteen items that should be included, or a robust factor structure with satisfactory reliability. The present study tested the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the PSS and used the advantages of complementary exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to investigate the underlying factor structure of the PSS items. Data stem from a community sample of 1096 parents from five counties in Norway with a one-year-old child. The sample was randomly split (N = 553/543), and exploratory and confirmatory analyses were performed on each of the samples. Using predefined criteria for the selection of robust items, results revealed a two-dimensional structure (Parental stressors and Lack of rewards) across 13 PSS items, displaying satisfactory reliability. Network analyses revealed differential associations within item constellations and with covariates. Implications of the findings and study limitations are discussed.

Stress durch Elternschaft: Psychometrische Evaluation der deutschen Version der Parental Stress Scale in der Allgemeinbevölkerung

“… CFI=Comparative-Fit Index; RMSEA=Root-Mean-Square-Error of Approximation; KI=Konfidenzinterval; SRMR=Standardized Root Mean Square Residual; 1 =gemäß 7 unter Ausschluss von Items 2, 4, 16 und 18; 2 =gemäß 14 mit allen 18 Items; 3 =gemäß 14 unter Ausschluss von Item 2 und 11; 4 =gemäß 11 unter Ausschluss von Items 2 und 15; 5 =gemäß 11 unter Ausschluss der Items 1, 2, 4, 15 und 18 …”

Parental stress among Norwegian fathers and mothers: Similarities and differences

“…The items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and a final parental stress score is obtained by reversing the positively worded items, and adding all item scores, which thus reflects the overall level of parental stress (Berry & Jones, 1995; Louie et al, 2017). However, as recently summarized by both Nærde & Hukkelberg (2020) and Nielsen et al (2020), the number of valid PSS items, and factors across items varies between studies (e.g., Algarvio et al, 2018; Berry & Jones, 1995; Cheung, 2000; Orononz et al, 2007; Pontoppidan et al, 2018). The particular modifications made across studies, may be due to various reasons, for example, differences in sample characteristics, statistical approach, response format, and cultural context.…”

The Associations of Child’s Clinical Conditions and Behavioral Problems with Parenting Stress among Families of Preschool-Aged Children: 2018–2019 National Survey of Child Health

“…Parenting is a rewarding but demanding job [ 1 ]. The practical and emotional demands of child rearing and caregiving can be stressful [ 1 ], particularly when a child exhibits challenging behaviors, such as defiance and avoidance [ 2 ].…”

“…Parenting is a rewarding but demanding job [ 1 ]. The practical and emotional demands of child rearing and caregiving can be stressful [ 1 ], particularly when a child exhibits challenging behaviors, such as defiance and avoidance [ 2 ]. Externalizing behavior problems tend to decline over time and could be the normative development of a child [ 3 ].…”