A1 Journal article (refereed)
War-related stress scale (2024)
Vargová, L., Jozefiaková, B., Lačný, M., & Adamkovič, M. (2024). War-related stress scale. BMC Psychology, 12, Article 208. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01687-9
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Vargová, Lenka; Jozefiaková, Bibiána; Lačný, Martin; Adamkovič, Matúš
Journal or series: BMC Psychology
eISSN: 2050-7283
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 15/04/2024
Volume: 12
Article number: 208
Publisher: BioMed Central
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01687-9
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94591
Abstract
The current war in Ukraine has affected the well-being of people worldwide. In order to understand how difficult the situation is, specific stressors associated with war need to be measured. In response, an inventory of war-related stressors including its short form, has been developed.
Methods
A list of potential war-related stressors was created, and the content validity of each item assessed. The list, along with other validated scales, was administered to a representative sample of the Slovak population (effective N = 1851). Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity analysis and network analysis were carried out to determine the optimal scale (long and short form) focused on war-related stressors.
Results
The full version of the scale consists of 21 items, further divided into three factors: society-related stressors, person-related stressors, and security-related stressors. The short version of the scale comprises nine items loaded onto one factor. These items cover concerns for one’s safety and future, access to necessities, potential worsening of the economic situation, and the risk of conflict escalation, including a nuclear threat. The results of the network analysis indicate that concern about escalation and fear of an economic crisis play a central role.
Conclusions
The scale attempts to encompass a wide spectrum of areas that are affected by war and its potential consequences on individuals who reside outside the conflict zone. Given the complexity of the issue, researchers are invited to modify the scale, tailoring it to specific cultural, geographical, and temporal contexts.
Keywords: wars; Russian invasion of Ukraine 2022; threat perceptions; stress (biological phenomena); reactions to stress; mental health; mental health problems; measuring instruments (indicators)
Free keywords: war; war-related stress; stressors; mental health
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
