The Short Stress State Questionnaire in German (SSSQ-G)

Ringgold V, Shields GS, Hauck F, Kurz M, Schindler-Gmelch L, Abel L, Richer R, Eskofier B, Rohleder N (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

European Journal of Health Psychology American Psychological Association

Book Volume: 31

Pages Range: 189-200

Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000160

Abstract

Background: Although the physiological stress response is well established, self-reported stress has received less attention. Some validated measures assess task-related stress via self-report in English. However, no such measure exists in Germany. Aims: To address this research gap, we translated and validated the Short Stress State Questionnaire in German (SSSQ-G). It assesses stress-related affective states (e.g., anger) and appraisals (e.g., feelings of control). We expected to replicate the factor structure of the English SSSQ in the SSSQ-G. Methods: We included the SSSQ-G in five studies that induced stress either via the gold standard task for acute stress induction – the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) – or via a novel virtual reality (VR) task. The sample consisted of 213 participants (112 women; age: 23.36 ± 3.62 years). Results: The SSSQ-G demonstrated sensitivity to stress-induced changes (ps < .01), particularly in response to the TSST compared to the VR stress induction (p < .001 for total scale comparison between stressors). In TSST participants, the magnitudes of stress-induced changes on the SSSQ-G were larger than those on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), p = .008, indicating strong construct validity. Although the SSSQ-G total score was highly reliable (α = .85, Ω = .86), factor analyses revealed a six-factor solution, with the factors representing Distress, Worry, Confidence, Negative affect, Motivation, and Self-evaluation. Limitations: The SSSQ-G appears more sensitive to state changes induced by moderate-to-severe stress tasks. Conclusion: The SSSQ-G is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing states of subjective stress.

Authors with CRIS profile

Veronika Ringgold Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitspsychologie Felicitas Hauck Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitspsychologie Miriam Kurz Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitspsychologie Lena Marie Gmelch Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie (KliPs) Luca Abel Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab Robert Richer Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab Björn Eskofier Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab Nicolas Rohleder Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitspsychologie

Involved external institutions

University of Arkansas US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Ringgold, V., Shields, G.S., Hauck, F., Kurz, M., Schindler-Gmelch, L., Abel, L.,... Rohleder, N. (2024). The Short Stress State Questionnaire in German (SSSQ-G). European Journal of Health Psychology, 31, 189-200. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000160

MLA:

Ringgold, Veronika, et al. "The Short Stress State Questionnaire in German (SSSQ-G)." European Journal of Health Psychology 31 (2024): 189-200.

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