Validating the stress and adversity inventory for adults (Adult STRAIN) among urban middle-aged and older African Americans

The Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults (Adult STRAIN) systematically assesses the count, severity, timing, types of lifetime stressors, primary life domains, and core social-psychological characteristics. The study aimed to replicate findings from the original Adult STRAIN validation study with a sample of middle-aged and older African American adults. Participants from the Health among Older Adults Living in Detroit study [<i>N</i> = 200; <i>M</i>(SD) = 67.48 years old (8.53), range = 50-89; 74.50% female], completed two home visits, daily diaries, and questionnaires. Pearson correlations and regression models assessed concurrent, discriminant, predictive, and comparative predictive validity (vs. the Perceived Stress Scale-4 and Risky Family Questionnaire) of the Adult STRAIN to stress-related (e.g. subjective physical health) and expected unrelated outcomes (e.g. personality variables), with and without covariates. The present study provides evidence of the Adult STRAIN as a valid measure of cumulative lifetime stressor exposure in older African American adults.