Digital Stress Scale (DSC): Development and Psychometric Validation of a Measure of Stress in the Digital Age

Agathi Argyriadi, Dimitra Katsarou, Athina Patelarou, Kalliopi Megari, Evridiki Patelarou, Stiliani Kotrotsiou, Konstantinos Giakoumidakis, Shabnam Abdoola, Evangelos Mantsos, Efthymia Efthymiou and Alexandros Argyriadis ()
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Agathi Argyriadi: Department of Psychology, Frederick University, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus
Dimitra Katsarou: Department of Preschool Education Sciences and Educational Design, University of the Aegean, 85100 Rhodes, Greece
Athina Patelarou: Department of Nursing, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Kalliopi Megari: Department of Psychology, City College, University of York, Europe Campus, 54622 Thessaloniki, Greece
Evridiki Patelarou: Department of Nursing, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Stiliani Kotrotsiou: Department of Nursing, University of Patras, 26504 Patra, Greece
Konstantinos Giakoumidakis: Department of Nursing, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Shabnam Abdoola: Department of Speech and Language Pathology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
Evangelos Mantsos: Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Efthymia Efthymiou: Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
Alexandros Argyriadis: Department of Nursing, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: (1) Background: The integration of digital technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), telepsychiatry, and communication platforms has transformed the mental health sector a lot compared to in previous years. While these tools enhance service delivery, they also introduce unique stressors. Despite growing concerns, there is no validated instrument specifically designed to measure the digital stress experienced by mental health professionals. (2) Methods: This study involved the development and psychometric validation of the Digital Stress Scale (DSC). The process included item generation through a literature review and qualitative interviews, expert panel validation, and a two-phase statistical evaluation. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted on responses from 423 licensed mental health professionals using EHRs and digital communication tools. The scale’s reliability and convergent validity were assessed via internal consistency and correlations with established mental health measures. (3) Results: The final DSC included four subscales: digital fatigue, technostress, digital disengagement, and work–life digital boundaries. CFA supported the factor structure (CFI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.038), and the overall reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.87). Descriptive analysis showed moderate-to-high levels of digital stress (M = 11.94, SD = 2.72). Digital fatigue was the strongest predictor of total stress (β = 1.00, p < 0.001), followed by technostress and work–life boundary violations. All subscales were significantly correlated with burnout (r = 0.72), job dissatisfaction (r = −0.61), and perceived stress (r = 0.68), all with a p < 0.001. (4) Conclusions: The DSC is a valid and reliable tool for assessing digital stress among mental health professionals. Findings point out the urgent need for policy-level interventions to mitigate digital overload, promote healthy work–life boundaries, and enhance digital competency in mental health settings.

Keywords: digital stress; technostress; digital fatigue; mental health; work–life balance; telepsychiatry; EHRs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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