Validation of the Demand Control Support Questionnaire for European Portuguese

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The Demand Control Support model is useful for studying work-related stress. The combination of high demand and a low level of control generates “job strain” (“job iso-strain” if poor support is added), with implications for the worker’s health and well-being. The aims of this study were to adapt, examine the factor structure of, and determine the reliability of, the Demand Control Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) short version for European Portuguese (DCSQ-PT). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The scale was translated into Portuguese following a rigorous process and then applied to 501 workers from various professional sectors. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic, professional, and Demand Control Support data. Validation was based on reliability and validity tests. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The mean age of the sample was 41.8 ± 10.3 years, and 50.1% of the participants were female. The results reveal good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.807) and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a four-factor solution of the DCSQ-PT scale had a good fit to the data, as was the case for the original scale. The DCSQ-PT<sup>©</sup> with 16 items is composed of the following factors: social support at work; psychological demands; skill discretion; and decision authority. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This validation allows an instrument to be obtained with 16 items for studying work-related stress in Portuguese workers.