The Perceived Stress Scale for Children: A Pilot Study in a Sample of 153 Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8687.2014.02.02.4Keywords:
Assessments, children, stress, activity patterns, and health.Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility and validity of an efficient screening tool intended for educators, clinicians and researchers who are interested in identifying perceived chronic stress and relations among home and school performance, behavior, and health in children.
Method: The Perceived Stress Scale for Children (PSS-C) was assessed on its ability to discriminate between children with known stress-related anxiety disorders from typically developing children without any identified stress-related conditions. The participants included 153 children from the northeastern United States (5-18 years) recruited via posted flyers, personal networks, and referral.
Results: The results suggested that the PSS-C is easy to administer, and effectively discriminates between children with and without known anxiety/stress disorders.
Conclusion: The PSS-C may be helpful for the early identification of children at risk for chronic anxiety/stress. This is important because chronic stress appears to result in increased vulnerability for poorer school outcomes and reduced home functional performance, as well as resulting in problems with overall health, mental health and body weight. An effective and efficient assessment for early identification of anxiety/stress in children assists in the development of appropriate responses.
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