Jk. Connor-smith et al., Responses to stress in adolescence: Measurement of coping and involuntary stress responses, J CONS CLIN, 68(6), 2000, pp. 976-992
The development of a measure of coping and involuntary stress responses in
adolescence is described. The Responses to Stress Questionnaire (RSQ) refle
cts a conceptual model that includes volitional coping efforts and involunt
ary responses to specific stressful events or specified domains of stress.
The psychometric characteristics of the RSQ were examined across 4 domains
of stress in 3 samples of adolescents and parent reports obtained in 2 samp
les. The factor structure of the RSQ was tested and replicated with an adeq
uate degree of fit using confirmatory factor analysis across 3 stressors in
2 samples. Internal consistency and retest reliability for the 5 factors w
ere adequate to excellent. Concurrent validity was established through corr
elations with another measure of coping, heart rate reactivity, and correla
tions of self- and parent-reports. Significant correlations with both adole
scents' and parents' reports of internalizing and externalizing symptoms we
re consistent with hypotheses.