Factor structure and convergent validity of the Thai version of the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire among Thai university students. METHODS: The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire items were derived from prior research on stressors in Thai and Asian university students. Content validity was evaluated by a panel of two psychologists and two psychiatrists through a single discussion. The validated questionnaire assessed the frequency of difficulties over 3 months in the following nine items: health: underlying disease, health: substance addiction, intrafamilial relationship, extrafamilial relationship, academic, achievement, financial, social support, and self-coping. Responses were measured using a five-point Likert scale from 0 (never) to 5 (always); higher scores indicated greater extent of perceived stressors. Internal consistency was analysed using Cronbach's alpha and inter-item correlation. Convergence was evaluated using the Thai adaptation of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Exploratory factor analysis was performed. RESULTS: In total, 359 Thai university students were included in the analysis. The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire had a two-factor structure; factor 1 had loadings from six items (health: substance addiction, intrafamilial relationship, extrafamilial relationship, financial, academic, and achievement) and factor 2 had loadings from two items (social support and self-coping). Correlation between these two factors was weak (r = 0.17), hence the limited internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.60). Convergence analysis showed significant associations between the Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; factor 1 was more strongly associated with anxious and negative affects, whereas factor 2 was more strongly associated with positive affects. Posthoc analysis showed that freshmen reported significantly lower levels of perceived psychosocial stressors compared with seniors. CONCLUSION: The Perceived Psychosocial Stressor Questionnaire can be used to assess psychosocial stressors among Thai university students, with potential applications in clinical, administrative, and research settings.