Psychometric Validation of the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) in a Greek Cohort of Parents of Hospitalized Neonates

TL;DR

This study validated a Greek version of a tool used to measure parental stress in neonatal intensive care units, ensuring it is reliable and culturally appropriate.

Contribution

The study provides a validated Greek adaptation of the PSS:NICU, enabling cross-cultural comparisons and targeted interventions.

Findings

The Greek PSS:NICU maintained the original three-factor structure with strong psychometric properties.

Female parents reported higher stress levels than male parents in most stress dimensions.

The adaptation showed excellent internal consistency and reliability across subscales.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) is one of the most widely used tools for assessing parental stress in neonatal intensive care settings. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and validate the PSS:NICU in a Greek cohort. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 parents (89 mothers, 61 fathers; mean age = 34.1 years, SD = 7.2) of hospitalized neonates from three Greek NICUs. The translation followed forward–backward procedures, expert review, and pilot testing. Data were analyzed for internal consistency, factorial validity, and group differences. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the adequacy of the original three-factor structure (Sights and Sounds, Infant Behavior and Appearance, and Parental Role Alteration). Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients indicated excellent reliability for the total scale and its subscales. Female participants reported higher stress levels than males in most dimensions. Conclusions: The Greek version of the PSS:NICU demonstrated strong psychometric properties and cultural relevance. This adaptation provides a valid and reliable tool for assessing parental stress in Greek NICUs and facilitates cross-cultural comparisons and the development of targeted psychosocial interventions.

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