OBJECTIVETo analyze the reliability and validity of Instrument zur stre beta bezogenen Tätigkeitsanalyse 6.0 (ISTA 6.0).

METHODS991 participants were sampled with stratified cluster randomly methods from various kinds of occupations, including teachers in primary and middle schools, doctors, bankers and environmental protection officers in order to study the reliability and validity of ISTA 6.0 with inter-item consistency and construct validity.

RESULTSThe Cronbach's alpha coefficient of ISTA 6.0 was over 0.7 with exception of Cooperation closeness (KOP) and Cooperation requirements (KER). Single factor analysis of construct validity of ISTA showed that the first and fifth subitem of Complexity (AK), the fifth subitem of Task control (HS) and Work organization problems (AOP) had lower factor loading (P < 0.05). The multilevel confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit index and factor loading were significantly greater except KER of Regulation possibilities (RR) and Cooperation possibilities (KSP) of Regulation possibilities (RP). The non-normed fit index (NNFI) and Comparative fit index (CFI) were lower than 0.9, possibly because of irrationality of some subitems and lower factor loading of KER and KSP factor. It implied that Chinese edition of ISTA6.0 needed further improvement according to the modification index (MI) and the special knowledge for higher construct validity.

CONCLUSIONISTA 6.0 can measure truthfully occupational stressors. Owing to the difference of culture, economy and custom, some subitems of ISTA 6.0 does not fit in with Chinese situation. Therefore it will be revised further for use in China.