Urdu adaptation and validation of Multidimensional Digital Stressor Scale

Abstract

Maintaining a large network of Facebook friends, feeling envious of their well-documented and luxurious lives, the demands of responding to text messages, the addictive allure of photos of amazing crafts on Pinterest, and urgency to stay up to date with status updates on social media, can all cause digital stress. This study aimed to adapt and validate Multidimensional Digital Stress Scale (MDSS) in Urdu language following International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines. The sample comprised n = 450 adolescents with age range of 18–29 years. The scale comprised of 24 items with five sub-scales. The scale factor structure, content validity, face validity, internal consistency were examined through SPSS whereas scale Confirmatory factor analysis was done using AMOS(Hayes). MDSS has a Cronbach’s alpha value 0.89. CFA indicated that model fitted well (RMSEA = .056, CFI-.92). Results indicate a positive correlation between loneliness, social anxiety with the sub-scale of MDSS, whereas significant negative correlation with psychological well-being. A screening tool in indigenous expression that can help to screen digital stress among people who use digital media for recreational as well as work related purposes, like social media influencers and Youtubers.

Keywords:

• Digital stress
• social anxiety
• psychological well-being
• Urdu translation
• psychometric properties
• Pakistan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amna Khan

Amna Khan is currently MS Scholar, Clinical Psychology Program at University of Central Punjab, Pakistan.

Uzma Ilyas

Uzma Ilyas, is currently a Principal Lecturer at University of Central Punjab, Pakistan. Her research interest and publication includes: binge watching and social anxiety.