Composition of Factors and Psychometric Characteristics of the Perceived Stress Scale in a Sample of Romanian Employees

Authors

  • Dumitru Daniel Ionașcu University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania Author
  • Maria Diana Piele University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania Author
  • Adriana Maria Șandru University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania Author
  • Ion Ovidiu Pânișoară University of Bucharest, Teacher Training Departament, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania Author
  • Iuliana Mihaela Lazăr University of Bucharest, Teacher Training Departament, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37130/xkjfr339

Keywords:

employees, factorial model, measurement invariance, perceived stress, psychometric validation

Abstract

The present study investigates the composition of factors and psychometric qualities of the Perceived Stress Scale among Romanian employees. This scale is widely used on a professional level, but its structure is unclear. 342 employees participated in an online survey between March and May 2025. Of these, 205 were from the educational sector and 137 from non-educational sectors. Two problematic items were excluded due to their inappropriate statistical behavior, resulting in an eight-item version. Four confirmatory models were estimated, including a single- factor model, a second-order factor model, a bifactorial model, and two first-order correlated factors representing perceived stress and perceived coping ability. The correlated factor model was the most coherent and parsimonious representation of the data, while the bifactorial solution presented insignificant loadings. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses supported configural, metric, and scalar invariance across genders and residential settings, facilitating meaningful comparisons of latent means. Configurational and metric invariance was confirmed in occupational terms, with parameter variations between domains. The PSS-8 has been demonstrated to serve as a reliable and effective instrument for the purpose of monitoring occupational stress and evaluating interventions designed to alleviate stress and augment coping resources. The findings lend support to the practice of reporting both the overall score and the subscales in both organizational contexts. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study, the online recruitment methodology, and gender imbalance are acknowledged limitations. Nevertheless, the data obtained provide a solid foundation for future longitudinal research using this instrument.

Author Biographies

  • Dumitru Daniel Ionașcu, University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania

    Dumitru Daniel Ionașcu is a PhD candidate in Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest. His doctoral research explores interconnected dimensions such as stress and spiritual intelligence, a perspective strengthened by his extensive and notable professional experience, which influences his involvement in educational development and shaping learning and working environments.

  • Maria Diana Piele, University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania

    Maria Diana Piele is a PhD candidate in Educational Sciences and a PhD teaching assistant at the Teacher Training Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest. Her research interests focus on the well-being of educators and on disruptive factors in the teaching profession, with her doctoral thesis addressing the issue of violence against teachers.

  • Adriana Maria Șandru, University of Bucharest, Doctoral School12 of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania

    Adriana Maria Șandru is a PhD candidate in Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest and assistant professor at Danubius International University in Galati. She conducts research on educational policy, learners’ rights, and institutional development, with her work deepening the legal and pedagogical understanding of current educational challenges.

  • Ion Ovidiu Pânișoară, University of Bucharest, Teacher Training Departament, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania

    Dr. Ion Ovidiu Pânișoară is full professor of Educational Sciences and the Head of the Teacher Training Department at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest. He is an education expert and keynote speaker in teacher training, known for his award-winning works and extensive national and international contributions to the development of educational practice and policy. His work integrates research, professional training, and innovation in pedagogy, making him a prominent voice in contemporary education.

  • Iuliana Mihaela Lazăr, University of Bucharest, Teacher Training Departament, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Bucharest, Romania

    Dr. Iuliana Mihaela Lazăr is associate professor at the Teacher Training Department of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest. In addition to her numerous publishing activities, she has actively participated in numerous national and international research and educational projects, serving as partner coordinator, expert, and trainer, and contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at improving instructional quality and professional development in education.

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Published

2025-12-26

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2025): Puppetry. Histories that shaped us / TabThePasT / Film and Theatre Pedagogy

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ionașcu, D. D., Piele, M. D., Șandru, A. M., Pânișoară, I. O., & Lazăr, I. M. (2025). Composition of Factors and Psychometric Characteristics of the Perceived Stress Scale in a Sample of Romanian Employees. CONCEPT, 31(2), 330-355. https://doi.org/10.37130/xkjfr339