Psychometric evaluation of the beliefs about stress scale in the German general population

Abstract

Background: Beliefs about stress significantly influence health outcomes. Reliable, economical scales are essential for assessing these beliefs to foster understanding on mechanisms by which stress mindsets affect health outcomes. Such understanding can inform interventions promoting adaptive stress perceptions and reducing chronic stress-related health risks.

Method: This study assessed the Beliefs About Stress Scale (BASS) in a representative German sample (N = 2515). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate factorial validity and tested measurement invariance was tested across demographics, and the BASS's associations with related constructs were analyzed for convergent and discriminant validity.

Results: The BASS demonstrated strong factorial validity, with a bifactor model offering superior fit to the three-factor structure. Measurement invariance analyses confirmed stability across demographics, though minor age-specific adjustments may improve interpretability. Positive beliefs about stress controllability and benefits were associated with healthier psychological outcomes, whereas negative stress beliefs linked to poorer mental health, underscoring the value of a “stress-is-enhancing” mindset. Normative data enhance the BASS's applicability in both research and clinical settings.

Conclusion: The BASS exhibits robust validity and reliability, making it suitable for population-level applications and comparisons between groups. By clarifying the influence of stress mindsets on stress regulation, the BASS supports the development of mindset-based interventions that promote adaptive stress perceptions and help mitigate chronic stress risks.