Psychometric Validation of the Taiwanese Daily Stress Inventory: Stress Appraisal, Health Outcomes, and Cardiovascular Correlates

Accurate assessment of daily stressors is crucial for understanding stress-health dynamics, yet validated instruments are needed for diverse populations. This study validated the Taiwanese Daily Stress Inventory (TDSI), a traditional Chinese adaptation of the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI). We examined its psychometric properties in 470 traditional Chinese-speaking young adults (86% female, 14% male) with an average age of 19.82 (SD = 2.50). The TDSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency for its core indices (Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω > .80). Construct validity was supported by significant negative correlations between TDSI indices (Frequency, Sum, Average Impact Rating) and self-reported physical and mental health, confirming that higher daily stress corresponds with poorer health. Biological sex-specific analyses revealed distinct stress appraisal patterns, with males reporting higher average impact ratings (AIR) than females despite similar stress frequencies and cumulative impact. Males also showed heightened cardiovascular reactivity (pulse rate) associated with stress indices. Meditation experience showed limited association with overall stress appraisal indices in this sample. The findings support the TDSI as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing daily stress in traditional Chinese-speaking young adults, contributing a needed tool for cross-cultural psychological assessment research and practice.