Measuring reliability and validity of “Stressometer(®)”: A computer-based mass screening and assessment tool for evaluation of stress level and sources of stressors

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to develop tools that can identify stress manifestation, source of stressors, and suffering in an effort to bridge the treatment gap and enhance behavioral health in the developing world. To that aim, the Stressometer(®) (SOM) was developed as a comprehensive scale of stress and behavioral health for use around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validation study of the Stressometer(®) (SOM) was undertaken with a sample in India that included a nonclinical group and a group of patients at a clinic in New Delhi. For validation purposes, participants were also administered three currently validated scales, including Perceived Stress Scale, Stress Overload Scale (SOS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). RESULTS: The Stressometer(®) (SOM) was found to be reliable and had high correlations with established scales. CONCLUSION: Stressometer(®) (SOM) is a valid and reliable, computer based mass screening tool for evaluation of stress level and sources of stress. Overall, Stressometer(®) (SOM) creates a robust measurement of stress and behavioral health that is likely culturally neutral and thus has universal applicability. A scale such as this one is ideal for use in the developing world to help bridge the treatment gap created and enhance behavioral health, especially in those suffering.