Internal consistency, dimensionality, and factor structure of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) among inmates in Cartagena, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a widely recognized tool used to measure emotional stress in clinical and public health research. However, there is limited research validating its effecti-veness within the Colombian context. This article explores the internal consistency, dimensionality, and factor structure of the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) among incarcerated individuals in Cartagena, Colombia.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to validate a scale that lacks a reference criterion. The participants were incarcerated individuals in Cartagena, Colombia, who were part of an academic research group. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was administered, and sociodemographic information was collected. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s ordinal alpha and McDonald’s Omega. Dimensionality was assessed through the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure and Bartlett’s test, while the factorial structure was analyzed using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: The PSS-14 showed borderline internal consistency, high dimensionality, and an unsatisfactory factorial structure. As a result, an alternative model was tested through factorial restructuring.Discussion: The authors’ proposed model showed strong internal consistency, dimensionality, and a bifactorial structure with excellent goodness-of-fit indicators. These findings need validation in other samples from the Colombian population.