Using Rasch Models to Evaluate the Perceived Stress Scale Among Black Perinatal Women

• In Event: Measurement and Validation Across Diverse Contexts: Applications of Rasch Models

Abstract

This study utilizes Rasch models to evaluate survey data, specifically applying exploratory item response modeling, the Rating Scale Model (RSM), and the Partial Credit Model (PCM) to evaluate the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) among Black pregnant and postpartum women in the U.S. Findings revealed that educational level, marital status, and item content significantly affect stress reporting. Women with higher education reported less stress, while single women reported more stress than partnered ones. Stress was more frequently indicated in response to items about helplessness than self-efficacy. This methodology can enhance our understanding of factors influencing the psychological status of Black perinatal women and can be applied to other behavioral and mental health surveys.

Authors

• Kandyce Hylick, University of Georgia

• Jing Li, University of Georgia

• George Engelhard, University of Georgia