Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale in the Context of Filipino College Students in the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably affected the Philippine archipelago, particularly the education sector, bringing varied stress experiences among Filipino learners. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the level of stress among students throughout the country using the perceived stress scale. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the English version of the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) in the context of Filipino university students at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data of 200 undergraduate students sampled through purposive sampling who completed the PSS-14 were used for the analyses. The researchers employed Cronbach’s Alpha (α > 0.7) to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale, and Pearson Correlation to assess the validity of items. Moreover, ethical standards were principally addressed. The results showed that the internal consistency (α = 0.81) of the PSS-14 was acceptable. Pearson Correlation Coefficient for items demonstrated a low to high association; statistically significant below 0.05 and critical values was less than the R-value. Hence, PSS – 14 was gleamed as a valid scale. The psychometric properties of PSS – 14 were potent and vigor in the provision of insights in the pursuit of estimating the extent of perceived stress in the context of Filipino university students. Thus, a call to action was addressed to the school’s mental health practitioners, guidance counselors, and authorities to craft intervention programs in order to mediate the adverse effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipino learners.