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Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the english version of the trier inventory for chronic stress (TICS-E)

Authors: Katja Petrowski, Sören Kliem, Michael Sadler, Alicia E. Meuret, Thomas Ritz, Elmar Brähler

Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Demands placed on individuals in occupational and social settings, as well as imbalances in personal traits and resources, can lead to chronic stress. The Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS) measures chronic stress while incorporating domain-specific aspects, and has been found to be a highly reliable and valid research tool. The aims of the present study were to confirm the German version TICS factorial structure in an English translation of the instrument (TICS-E) and to report its psychometric properties.

Methods

A random route sample of healthy participants (N = 483) aged 18–30 years completed the TICS-E. The robust maximum likelihood estimation with a mean-adjusted chi-square test statistic was applied due to the sample’s significant deviation from the multivariate normal distribution. Goodness of fit, absolute model fit, and relative model fit were assessed by means of the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Tucker Lewis Index (TLI).

Results

Reliability estimates (Cronbach’s α and adjusted split-half reliability) ranged from .84 to .92. Item-scale correlations ranged from .50 to .85. Measures of fit showed values of .052 for RMSEA (Cl = 0.50–.054) and .067 for SRMR for absolute model fit, and values of .846 (TLI) and .855 (CFI) for relative model-fit. Factor loadings ranged from .55 to .91.

Conclusion

The psychometric properties and factor structure of the TICS-E are comparable to the German version of the TICS. The instrument therefore meets quality standards for an adequate measurement of chronic stress.
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Metadata
Title
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the english version of the trier inventory for chronic stress (TICS-E)
Authors
Katja Petrowski
Sören Kliem
Michael Sadler
Alicia E. Meuret
Thomas Ritz
Elmar Brähler
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Research Methodology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0471-4

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