ABSTRACT
Objective To develop and test a stressor scale for in-patients with spinal cord injury (SSIPSCI). Methods Based on in-depth interviews and the second-level International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) categories, a 39-item SSIPSCI was generated and pilot tested. It was then used with 284 inpatients with spinal cord injury. Principal components factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed.Results The exploratory components factor analysis revealed 7 significant stress factors: social activity, economy security, individual activity, relationship with others, physical disorders, bowel and bladder problems and medical fees. Internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0. 950 overall and 0. 741 ～ 0. 920 for the individual factors. Test-retest reliability was 0.848. The correlation between SSIPSCI scores and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores was strong ( r = 0. 665 ). Conclusions The reliability and validity of the SSIPSCI are both satisfactory enough to meet psychometric requirements.