Abstract

*Andrew P. Smith and Arwel James

ABSTRACT

Background: A crucial part of well-being research has examined the associations between well-being outcomes and exposure to stressors. Questionnaires assessing student stressors exist, and the present study aimed to evaluate a single-item measure of student stressors. Methods: Using an online survey, eighty-two secondary school students answered questions on well-being and factors related to well-being (psychological capital, negative coping and social support). They also completed seven-item and single-item measures of exposure to stressors. Results: The single-item stressor question was significantly correlated with the longer version and well-being outcomes (positively with negative items such as perceived stress; negatively with positive well-being outcomes). Multivariate analyses, including the other established predictors of well-being, showed that significant associations with stressors were restricted mainly to negative well-being outcomes. Conclusions: A single-item measure of student stressors was significantly associated with a longer version and showed all the usual associations with well-being outcomes.