Self-Generated Stress Scale: Adaptation and validity evidence for the Brazilian context

Escala de Estresse Autogerado: adaptação e evidências de validade no contexto brasileiro

Escala de Estrés Autogenerado: Adaptación y evidencia de validez en el contexto brasileño

Abstract

Self-generated stress has been defined as stress generated by an individual on themselves, adding tension to an already existing situation. This research comprised two studies: the first one aimed at adapting the instrument to the Brazilian context, and the second one sought to investigate validity evidence for the Self-Generated Stress Scale (SGSS), based on its internal structure and its relationship with external variables. A total of 205 graduate students (Stricto Sensu) from Brazilian educational institutions took part in the study. The results obtained through Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed a structure identical to the original one-factor, seven-item model. The reliability coefficients were satisfactory (alpha and omega = .90) and the SGSS model fit indices were adequate (χ²/114, df = 14, p < .001; CFI=.95; TLI=.92; RMSEA = .09). Therefore, it can be concluded that the scale possesses sufficient psychometric properties to assess self-generated stress.

Keywords:
stress; psychological assessment; factor analysis