Journal article
The University Stress Scale: Measuring Domains and Extent of Stress in University Students
Australian Psychologist, Vol.51(2), pp.128-134
2016
Abstract
Objective: Excessive stress and poor coping skills can put university students at risk for mental health problems. The University Stress Scale (USS) provides a measure of both the categories of stress experienced by university students as well as the overall intensity of the stress experienced. Methods: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the USS and its clinical utility. Participants were a convenience cross-sectional sample of 2,596 Australian university students. Results: Exploratory factor analysis provided support for a six-factor model comprising the categories of academic, relationships, equity, parenting, practical, and health. This structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. The measure had good discriminant and convergent validity and good internal consistency. A cut-off of 13 on the USS indicates students most likely to be experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms as a result of excessive stress. This study used a broad sample of Australian students; however, further replication is needed to confirm the utility of the measure for students in other countries. Conclusions: The total stress score and the categorical breakdown of stressors makes the USS a useful, brief screening measure for clinicians working with university students.
Details
- Title
- The University Stress Scale: Measuring Domains and Extent of Stress in University Students
- Authors
- Helen M Stallman (Author) - University of South AustraliaC P Hurst (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- Australian Psychologist, Vol.51(2), pp.128-134
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1111/ap.12127
- ISSN
- 0005-0067; 0005-0067
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451462702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
182 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites