Turkish validity and reliability study of the Stress (Subjective Thoughts REgarding Stress Scale).

This article focuses on the development and validation of a Turkish adaptation of the STRESS (Subjective Thoughts REgarding Stress Scale), a measure designed to assess individuals' beliefs about stress, which are key predictors of stress responses. The study involved 379 Turkish-speaking adults who completed the translated scale alongside validated Turkish versions of related measures of coping, perceived stress, and anxiety. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor structure—Consequences, Coping Efficacy, Socializing When Stressed, and Secondhand Stress—with good internal consistency and satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. The findings highlight culturally specific dimensions of stress beliefs in Turkey, particularly distinguishing social aspects of stress, and suggest the scale is a reliable and valid tool for research and clinical use in Turkish populations.