title: Reliability, validity and preliminary hypothesis tests for the English version of the Psychological Strain Scales (PSS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The original Psychological Strain Scales (PSS) was published with data from a sample of Chinese population, which consisted of four strain scales: value strain, aspiration strain, deprivation strain, and coping strain. This study aims to validate and develop the English version of the PSS instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  Together with the PSS, Moos׳s Coping Response Inventory (CRI), Spielberger Trait-Anxiety scale, CES-D depression scale, and the NCS suicidal behavior scales were administered in a survey to a sample (N=280) of American college students. Item-total statistics, Cronbach׳s Alpha, Guttman Split-Half coefficient, factor analyses, correlation analysis and t tests were applied to test the reliability and validity of the English version of the PSS. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were operated to know how extent the PSS predicts psychopathology such as anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cronbach׳s Alpha coefficient of PSS was 0.936. The Split-Half coefficient of PSS was 0.839. The reliability of the PSS was excellent. The factor analysis results demonstrated strong construct validity of each scale. The criterion validity and the discriminant validity were both excellent for the English version of PSS instrument.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the excellent scores on both reliability and validity, the English version of the PSS scales can be an excellent measurement for estimating the psychological strain levels of American college students as well as predicting their psychopathology. The PSS can be applicable for research to evaluate and predict suicidal behaviors and mental disorders.
authors.affiliation: Shandong University School of Public Health, China; Department of Sociology, State University of New York College at Buffalo, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA. Electronic address: zhangj@buffalostate.edu.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Weifang Medical University, China.
authors.forename: Juncheng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lyu
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Mental disorder; Psychological Strain Scales (PSS); Reliability; Suicide; Validity