Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate the short form of the Life Stress Scale for Cadets to increase effectiveness and efficiency. The Life Stress Scale for Cadets, which consists of 74 items, was administered to 1,080 cadets. Based on statistical characteristics, the short-form scale is composed of 17 items, which represent constructs in the four areas of relationships, personal affairs, occupation, and environment. Next, the short-form scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Depression Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Satisfaction with Life Scale were administered to 1,054 cadets. Then, we randomly divided the cadets into two groups. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted for group 1 (514 cadets). As a result, 17 items were classified into the organizational environment (8 items), the burden of tasks (3 items), worries of evaluation (3 items), and interpersonal conflicts (3 items). The level of internal consistency was mostly acceptable. After designing a CFA model, confirmatory factor analysis was performed for group 2 (540 cadets). The level of goodness of fit of the model was satisfactory. Furthermore, the total scores and each subfactor score of the short form scale were associated with perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. The short-form scale in this study showed high reliability and validity and will be useful in conducting evaluations, research, and intervention for cadets' stress as military trainees.