A Critical Appraisal: Development and Use of Perceived Stress Scale in U.S. Immigrants

Abstract

Few studies have critically appraised Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in immigrants. The purpose of the article is to determine if PSS is adequately developed and properly used with U.S. immigrants. Searching via PubMed and PsycINFO databases resulted in 10 research papers published between 2009 and 2019 that met the selection criteria and were integrated for this review. Most of the studies do not have adequate theoretical models and do not have proper consideration of socio-cultural factors. Five studies used the PSS translated into different languages but only one study validated the translated version. Six studies reported the reliability of the PSS. The PSS-14 and PSS-10 may be appropriately used in immigrants to measure psychological stress. Some issues, such as the PSS's reliability and validity, need to be addressed in future use in immigrants.