Psychometric Properties of the COVID-19 Stress Scale in College Students

Many experienced isolation and restricted behaviors due to the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Investigations related to the psychological factors such as stress along with the danger of spread and contamination are scarce. The COVID-19 stress scale (CSS) was developed in order to evaluate such stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the CSS, using a survey to provide evidence towards its continued use as a scientifically sound measuring instrument for future acute health crises in a sample of 615 college students (78.80% female, 18.60% male, 1.30% trans male, 1.00% non-binary), with a mean age of 19.10 years. The study partially supported the original measure's factor structure. The main modification suggests a five-factor structure and removal of items related to less frequently used methods of banking and postal mail. The authors provide suggestions for future validation directions, use of the CSS and development of stress response strategies for students.