Reliability and Validity of the Perceived Stress Scale in a Sample of African American Women at Risk for Hypertension

Stress is a risk factor for hypertension (HTN); however, few self-report measures designed to assess perceived stress have been validated in African American women (AAW). The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in a sample of AAW at risk for HTN. Hypothesis one states that Cronbach's alpha for the 10-item PSS and subscales will be 0.70 or greater. Hypothesis two states that factor analysis will yield two factors. The results found that the PSS is a reliable and valid measure of perceived stress in AAW at risk for HTN. Further studies in a more diverse population of African Americans at risk for HTN and with HTN are needed in order to further assess the reliability and validity of this measure.