Life stress as a determinant of emotional well-being: development and validation of a Spanish-Language Checklist of Stressful Life Events

摘要

Objectives : To develop a screening instrument for investigating the prevalence and impact of stressful life events in Spanish-speaking Peruvian adults. Background : Researchers have demonstrated the causal connection between life stress and psychosocial and physical complaints. The need for contextually relevant and updated instruments has been also addressed. Methods : A sequential exploratory design combined qualitative and quantitative information from two studies: first, the content validity of 20 severe stressors (N ?=?46); then, a criterion-related validity process with affective symptoms as criteria (Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), N ?=?844). Results : 93% of the participants reported one to eight life events (X ?=?3.93, Mdn?=?3, SD?=?7.77). Events increase significantly until 60 years of age (Mdn?=?6). Adults born in inland regions (Mdn?=?4) or with secondary or technical education (Mdn?=?5) reported significantly more stressors than participants born in Lima or with higher education. There are no differences by gender. Four-step hierarchical models showed that life stress is the best unique predictor (β ) of HSCL anxiety, depression and general distress (p ??.001). Age and gender are significant for the three criteria (p ??.01, p ?.001); lower education and unemployment are significant unique predictors of general distress and depression (p ??.01; p ??.05). Previously, the two-factor structure of the HSCL-25 was verified (Satorra–Bentler chi-square, root-mean-square error of approximation?=?0.059; standardized root-mean-square residual?=?0.055). Conclusion : The Spanish-Language Checklist of Stressful Life Events is a valid instrument to identify adults with significant levels of life stress and possible risk for mental and physical health (clinical utility).