Description

The Parental Stress Scale (PSS-18) is a brief psychometric instrument designed to assess parental stress experienced by parents of children with or without clinical difficulties. The scale evaluates different dimensions associated with parenting experiences, emotional responses, and satisfaction with the parental role.

The PSS-18 examines multiple aspects of parental stress, including perceived stress, work–family stress, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, marital satisfaction and commitment, job satisfaction, and social support.

Objective

The primary objective of the PSS-18 is to evaluate the level of stress associated with the parental role and to understand how parents perceive their relationship and experiences with their children.

The scale aims to provide information about emotional difficulties, stress-related experiences, and positive aspects of parenting, such as satisfaction and perceived support.

Structure and Content

The PSS-18 is an 18-item self-report questionnaire in which parents respond to statements describing their typical relationship with their child.

The questionnaire can be completed independently by the parent or administered with the assistance of a therapist who reads the questions exactly as written.

The scale does not include right or wrong answers, as it aims to capture the parent’s personal experience and perception of stress.

Scoring Method

The PSS-18 is completed in less than 10 minutes and uses a self-report format.

The possible total score ranges from:

18 = low parental stress

to

90 = high parental stress.

The questionnaire can be completed separately by both parents. It may refer either to one specific child or to children in general within the family context.

Higher scores indicate greater perceived parental stress, whereas lower scores indicate lower levels of stress related to parenting.

Data Analysis and Use

The analysis of the PSS-18 is based on the calculation of total scores and, where applicable, subscale scores. Interpretation includes examination of possible score ranges and understanding the meaning and impact of higher or lower values.

The scale can be used in:

parenting research,

family psychology,

clinical assessment,

studies of parent–child relationships,

and evaluation of interventions aimed at supporting parents.

Validity

The validity of the PSS-18 is examined through research studies assessing whether the questionnaire accurately measures parental stress and related psychological experiences.

Reliability

Reliability evaluation focuses on the consistency of questionnaire scores and is supported through relevant psychometric research examining the stability and internal consistency of the instrument.

References

The PSS-18 literature includes international research examining parental stress, emotional experiences, parenting satisfaction, and family functioning. References should include recent psychometric studies and, where available, Greek validation studies.