Development and Validation of Digital Stress Scale for Middle-Aged Adults

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a digital stress scale for middle-aged adults in order to support their adaptation to rapidly changing digital environments. Methods: The research was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, 95 preliminary items were generated through a literature review, in-depth interviews, and open-ended surveys. In the second phase, a pilot survey was conducted with 400 middle-aged adults. Exploratory factor analysis identified 33 items across six factors: digital avoidance, digital adaptation burden, digital information overload, digital security concerns, loss of digital control, and digital relationship problems. The reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s α) for the six factors ranged from .87 to .93. In the third phase, a main survey was administered to another group of 400 participants, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to verify the six-factor model. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion validity were also examined. Results: The developed digital stress scale consisted of 33 items with six factors, and demonstrated a valid and reliable factor structure. Conclusion: This study developed and validated the first digital stress scale for the middle-aged adults, offering a theoretical basis for understanding their digital adaptation. The scale reflects key psychological and social traits and can inform tailored education and policy. It also lays the groundwork for future research on generational differences and digital stress across life domains.